Table 02 — Race · abstract

WALL

A race with blocking pieces

On a 7×7 board, get your piece to the far row on your opponent's side first. Each turn you either move one square or drop a block that sends them the long way round. Sealing a route off completely is not allowed — there is always a way through, and no luck anywhere.

vs computer online no luck involved

WALL at a glance
Players	2 only
Format	Head to head
On your own	Play the computer
Length	A few minutes
Price	Free · no sign-up · no install

Play the computer See all the tables

Fig. WALL · playroom-game.com/wall/en

How to play

How a game goes

Take your place

The board is a 7×7 grid. Your piece starts in the middle of the row nearest you, theirs on the far side. Your goal is their starting row. You each get a hand of oddly shaped blocks.

Move or place

One or the other, never both. Move your piece one square up, down, left or right. If the opponent's piece is right next to yours, jump over it to the square beyond (or to either side of it if that square is blocked). Or place a block from your hand on empty squares — rotate it freely, and it leaves your hand for good.

Send them round

Blocks exist to cut their short route and add distance. But you may never seal a route off — both players must always have a way to their goal, and the game will not let you place a block that closes one.

Cross first

Reach any square on the far row and you win. Because a route always remains, there are no draws and no stalemates. Someone always gets there.

The block shapes

2 long / 3 long: a straight line. Closes a corridor at once
L shape: three squares bent at a corner. Bends their path
Square: 2×2. Blocks a wide area
You only get the blocks you start with. Where you spend them is the game

Two ways to play

On your own: three computer opponents, easy, normal and hard
Online: send a four-letter code and race a friend on the same board
Inviting: just hand over the link. No sign-up for either of you

Tips

Tips for winning

01Move or blockEvery block you place is a step you did not take. Weigh the tempo.

02Cut the short routeA block one square ahead of their best path costs them the most.

03Blocks run outThere is no refill. Save them for the moment that decides the race.

04A path always remainsYou cannot trap them. Think in terms of buying yourself time.

FAQ

Common questions

How many people play WALL?

Two. On your own you play the computer; with a friend you share a four-letter room code and play online.

Can I play on a phone?

Yes. It runs in any browser on a phone, tablet or computer. It is free, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

Is there a computer opponent?

Yes, at three strengths: easy, normal and hard. The hard one reads several moves ahead.

Any advice for winning?

Place a block one square ahead of their shortest route. Blocks never refill, so pick your moment rather than firing early.