Avalam
- Designer Philippe Deweys
- Publisher Art of Games , Filsfils International , Great American Trading Company , Oya , Piatnik
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Avalam, players stack wooden pieces on a 9x9 grid to create towers of one to five pieces. The goal is to score the most points by having your color on top of towers. You can stack any piece or combination of pieces onto adjacent towers, changing their height and ownership. The game demands strategic planning and spatial awareness in quick, engaging rounds.
Who Is This Game For?
Avalam is designed for two players aged 8 and up, featuring simple rules and moderate strategic depth. With a playing time of about 30 minutes, it suits those looking for a quick yet thoughtful abstract game experience.
How It Works
Players take turns stacking their colored pieces onto towers on a 9x9 board. Each tower can have up to five pieces. By placing pieces on adjacent towers, players alter tower heights and control. Each tower scores a point for the color on top, and the player with the most points at the end wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Philippe Deweys, Avalam won the Mensa Select award in 1998 and was nominated for the 2010 Guldbrikken Best Family Game. It is a classic two-player abstract game with straightforward rules and strategic depth, belonging to the combinatorial family of games.
Awards
1998
1996
- 2010 Guldbrikken Best Family Game — Nominated
Pro
- Short playtime around 30 minutes
- Easy to learn with strategic depth
- Suitable for two players aged 8 and up
- Mensa Select award winner 1998
Contra
- Only playable with two players
- No solo mode available
- Abstract theme might not appeal to everyone
Setting & Atmosphäre
Avalam is an abstract game without a thematic setting, focusing purely on stacking wooden pieces on a 9x9 grid.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on controlling the stacking of your pieces to maximize towers with your color on top.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Avalam is designed exclusively for two players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Avalam lasts about 30 minutes, perfect for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game has simple rules suitable for beginners aged 8 and above.
How does this compare to similar games?
Avalam stands out with its 9x9 grid and stacking combo tactics.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Avalam is family-friendly and suitable for children from 8 years old.
What mechanic makes it special?
Avalam’s core mechanic is abstract stacking and combining of pieces for control.
Fazit
Avalam offers a compact, strategic two-player experience with simple mechanics and meaningful decisions. It’s ideal for players seeking short, intense abstract games.