Objective

The goal of Otrio is to be the first player to arrange three pieces of your color in a row. You can win by completing one of three types of sequences:

1. Same Size: Three pieces of the same size in a row.

2. Ascending or Descending Order: Three pieces in ascending or descending size order in a row.

3. Nestled Pieces: A set of three pieces of different sizes nested within each other on the same spot.
   

Setup

1. Game Components:

   • Game Board: A circular board with nine spots arranged in a 3x3 grid.

   • Player Pieces: Each player gets 9 pieces of one color, divided into three sizes: small, medium, and large.

2. Initial Setup:

   • Place the Board: Set the board in the center of all players.

   • Distribute Pieces: Each player takes their 9 pieces (3 of each size) in their chosen color.
     

Gameplay

Otrio is typically played with 2 to 4 players. The game proceeds in turns, with players taking turns placing one piece on the board at a time.

1. Starting the Game

• First Player: Choose the first player randomly or by mutual agreement.

• Turn Order: Play proceeds clockwise around the board.

2. Taking a Turn

• Place a Piece: On your turn, place one of your pieces on any open spot on the board.

• Types of Moves: You can place any size piece on any open spot. You can place a piece in an empty spot or inside a spot that already has a smaller piece (to form a nested set).

3. Winning the Game

• Winning Configuration: The game is won when a player completes one of the following:

  • Three Same Size Pieces in a Row: All in a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).

  • Three Pieces in Size Order: Ascending or descending, in a straight line.

  • Three Nested Pieces: One of each size in a single spot.

• Claiming Victory: Once a player achieves a winning configuration, they immediately declare victory and win the game.

4. Ending in a Draw

• Full Board with No Winner: If all the spaces on the board are filled and no player has achieved a winning configuration, the game ends in a draw.
  

Strategy Tips

• Block Opponents: Keep an eye on your opponents' moves and block them when they are close to forming a winning sequence.

• Plan Ahead: Try to set up multiple potential winning moves, forcing your opponents to focus on defense.

• Use Nesting Wisely: Nesting pieces can be a powerful way to control space on the board and set up future moves.
  

Example of a Turn

1. Place a Large Piece: The first player places their large piece on an open spot.

2. Next Player Places a Small Piece: The next player places their small piece in a different spot.

3. Player 3 Places a Medium Piece: The third player places a medium piece in another open spot.

4. Player 4 Nests a Piece: The fourth player places a small piece inside a spot that already contains another piece.
   

Variants and Advanced Play

• Team Play: In a 4-player game, you can play in teams of two, with each team sharing a color.

• Time Limits: For a more challenging game, impose a time limit for each player’s turn.