Figure 5: Black resigns

In order to understand why Black resigned the above position, you need to be familiar with tactics. TwixT is a very tactical game. One slight miscalculation can result in a sudden loss.

So, take a look at some quarter board puzzles created by Alex Randolph himself. These puzzles illustrate many of the patterns that occur over and over again in real games. Be warned: some of the puzzles are very deep. You might want to print them out and study them at length, instead of trying to solve them while online.

Some basic guidelines:

Always keep the whole board in mind. You are NOT required to link on each move you make. Note that in the above game, White has a large group on the right side, but it doesn't look as though this group will be part of the final bridge. The winning path for White seems to be on the left. White won the game because he was willing to abandon the large group on the right just to gain a valuable tempo on the left. You have the entire board at your disposal; use it!

Don't start a "fist fight" too soon. In the opening phase of the game, experienced players tend to spread their pegs around the board, trying to make as many threats as possible.

Keep an eye on the "crucial diagonals." These diagonals are shown in red in the diagram below. They are so important, some players mark their boards in the same way:

Figure 6: The crucial diagonals

Why are these diagonals important? Consider this local battle:

Figure 7: Black to move
Black cannot prevent White from connecting to the upper border row here. For example, if Black plays 1.D5* White can answer with 2.C4*, and then if 3.C3* 4.B2*.	Black may not place a peg in B1, so White cannot be stopped from linking to D1. White was on the crucial diagonal. This diagonal is more important, the closer you get to B2.

Here's a puzzle for you: suppose in figure 7, Black plays 1.D2:

Figure 9: White to move

How does White win this local battle? (solution)

The First Move

Where should the first move be, in an even game? A central move such as 1.L12 would be bad, because the opponent could just swap and get a winning position. My personal preference these days, is to play 1.C8. I really don't know if 1.C8 should be swapped or not. Opening theory is in its infancy here; you are encouraged to pursue your own ideas about where to play the first move.

I emphatically welcome all questions, both general and specific, as well as any comments you may care to send me! My email is: twixt@cstone.net

- David J. Bush