I did the same thing. I was trying to fit all my large pieces in my own little corner... all happy - then *snik* (the sound the piece makes when it fits) - another player blocks me from expanding. Suddenly my happy little corner is looking claustrophobic.. and I was rushing to find another opening somewhere.

I like to fit my pieces, my wife likes to block the crap out of my pieces. She wins more often than not.

Pueblo is a terrific 3-D game with offensive and defensive moves.

...And major kingmaking problems!

With 3 players and only one route allowed between cities, it is very easy to be blocked out of a city.
ScottH.

On the TTR forums, there continues to be a raging debate about whether blocking just to block (taking a route you don't need just to screw another player) is a valid and honorable tactic.

Most people agree that this is completely valid.

You don't have to enclose an area to block; just running a caravan past an oasis or watering hole can block opponents. Blocking is a key tactic in the bame.

Yep. One of the 'nastiest' of plays in Through The Desert.

Attika is MADE of blocking.

I thought fiber was intended to eliminate blockage.

only with plenty of fluid

Not blocking per se.

You can sub-divide another person's territory, or even displace them from a territory if you have the right cards.

We had this game hanging around the game group for ages before giving it a try.

When we did, it was to universal approval!

It's an excellent game, with a really interesting auction mechanic. I imagine it works best with 5 or 4 (not up to much with 3 I'd have thought)

And yes ... there is some blocking, as my camel often get surrounded

Right now (9/26/05), Boulder Games has this on sale for $4.80. Not bad if you just want to try it and want to add it to an order. (FYI, I am not affiliated with Boulder)

Aha! Fits the list AND the AC/DC reference!

Actually, the AC/DC lyric goes "... and I'll win the fight" not "...and I will not fight."

I see, twixter! I'll have to tell my friend A. Hensel why you're such a tough opponent at twixt over at little golem. Listening to AC/DC while planning your moves is your secret weapon, right?!

Sorry "Twixter", but I've got it on GREAT 'authority' from 'Bon' himself-and from beyond the 'grave' no less-that HE "would not FIGHT!" using 'Dynamite'! He wasn't any good at affixing those pesky 'caps' or fuses, while "Det-Cord" scared the dying shat outta him! Yes, I have the 'Deluxe' "Ouija" board and mine goes up to '11' and has 'Maybe' with an extra 'notation' of "Oi!" on it too. Sometimes them 'written lyrics' get a few things 'wrongly' on them, while 'Bon' likes "Twixt", although he can't decide if it's a "candybar with a cookie inside" or "a cookie wrapped within a candybar". Curiouser & curiouser...and don't get HIM 'started' about "Certs"!

Hah hah. I think there's a subtle difference when you can fight you way past a block. mmm.

I was sure this was a list about the block games when I saw the title. Had to scroll down quite a ways to find one, though.

Great title for a list!

I had thought about including block games, but realized that would be a whole different list altogether. A search of the BGG lists shows that there are already several block game lists. Not to mention, I'm better at being blocked than using blocks!

You weren't the only one...

Blocking isn't just a part of this game, it's the WHOLE game! Try a larger grid some time, like this beautiful board by Ed Collins:

Twixt is another example, with much more varied tactics, sort of like Hex at high speed.

Sorry, I meant to display THIS beautiful board from Ed Collins, which is 16x16:

Whoah. 16x16?! That's a whole lot of Hex!