Block It Board Game Review
Block It! is a 2004 abstract strategy game by Dutch designer Hans van Tol, published by The Game Master BV and distributed internationally through University Games. The game runs about 15 minutes, supports 1 to 4 players, and works for ages 6 and up. With a BoardGameGeek complexity weight of 1.29 out of 5, it sits comfortably in the family-friendly category. This review covers the components, gameplay, mechanics, and whether Block It! belongs on your shelf.
Block It! Game Overview
Block It! is a pattern-building abstract game where players place blocks onto a grid and try to be the first to use up their entire supply. Each turn, you add a piece in a way that fits the placement rules while making life harder for everyone else. The theme is purely geometric, with no story or setting attached to the play.
The publisher pitches the game as something you can teach in three minutes and start playing immediately. That claim holds up. Where the game earns its replay value is in tactical play, with opponents able to block your next move and force you into worse positions.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designer | Hans van Tol |
| Artist | Yvon-Cheryl Scholten |
| Publisher | The Game Master BV, University Games |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Players | 1–4 |
| Age Range | 6+ |
| Playing Time | 15 minutes |
| Game Type | Abstract Strategy |
| Complexity Rating | 1.29 / 5 |
What’s in the Box of Block It!
Block It! ships with a compact set of components built around its grid-and-blocks design. Most of the bulk in the box is the player blocks, with the board and rules taking up little space.
- Game board with a 10×10 grid and a separate 4×4 grid for variant play
- Four sets of player blocks in distinct colors
- Rulebook with setup and variant scenarios
The blocks are plastic and stack easily, which keeps the box tidy. The board is sturdy cardboard with a clear grid print. Component quality is fine for a budget family title but nothing that stands out next to modern abstracts.
Pros and Cons of Block It!
Pros
- Rules can be taught in under three minutes
- Setup takes about a minute, with no tokens to sort or cards to shuffle
- Plays well across mixed-age groups, including kids as young as six
- Supports solo play through 4-player games using the same box
- Short 15-minute sessions encourage back-to-back rematches
- Small, portable box that travels well
Cons
- The abstract theme offers no story or atmosphere
- Strategic depth is limited compared to heavier abstract strategy games
- Now out of print and hard to find at original retail
- Two-player games can feel more puzzly than tactical
How to Play Block It!
Setup
Each player picks a color and takes the matching set of blocks. Place the board between players so everyone can reach the grid. Decide who goes first, usually the youngest player.
Turn Structure
On your turn, place one of your blocks onto an empty space on the grid following the placement rule for the chosen variant. Play then passes to the next player. If you cannot make a legal placement, you pass for the round.
Winning the Game
The first player to place all their blocks on the board wins. If every player gets stuck before anyone empties their pile, the player with the fewest blocks left wins instead.
Where to Buy Block It!
Block It! is out of print in most regions, so availability shifts often. Below are the original retail price points and common channels.
| Region / Platform | Price |
|---|---|
| US Retail (original MSRP) | $19.95 |
| EU Retail (original MSRP) | €28.95 |
| BoardGameGeek Marketplace | Varies by seller |
| eBay / Used Listings | Varies |
Block It! Game Mechanics
The core mechanic is pattern building with a blocking layer on top. Each placement reduces the legal options for the next player, so the grid fills with adjacency constraints as the game progresses.
Decisions revolve around two questions: where can I safely place to keep my own options open, and where can I drop a block to cut off my opponent’s best square? Good players think one or two placements ahead rather than playing reactively.
The 4×4 variant grid creates a tighter puzzle where every space matters, while the 10×10 grid gives room for longer arcs of play and more chances for comeback turns. Switching grids effectively gives you two games in one box.
Who Should Play Block It!
Block It! suits families with younger children who want a quick game that still rewards thinking. The simple rules let a six-year-old compete with adults without major handicaps, since spotting blocking moves comes down to attention rather than experience.
Fans of Blokus, Pentago, and other family-weight abstracts will recognize the territory-control feel here. Block It! is lighter than Blokus and faster than Pentago, which makes it a fit for filler slots between longer games.
Skip it if you want narrative games, heavy strategy, or strong player interaction. Players who dislike pure abstracts will not find a theme to grab onto.
FAQ
Is Block It! good for beginners?
Yes. The rules can be taught in three minutes and a full game takes about 15 minutes. The 6+ age rating is accurate, and adults will pick up the strategy within their first session. It works well as an introduction to abstract strategy games for kids or new gamers.
How long does Block It! take to play?
A standard game lasts around 15 minutes. Two-player games tend to run a bit shorter, while four-player games can stretch closer to 20 minutes once players slow down to think about blocking moves. Setup adds less than a minute on top of game time.
What’s the best player count for Block It!?
Three or four players gives the game the most life, since more blockers on the board create harder placement decisions. Two-player games feel more like a head-to-head puzzle. Solo play works as a placement exercise but lacks the blocking tension that makes the game interesting.
Is Block It! worth buying?
If you can find it at or near the original $19.95 retail and want a short family abstract, it is a solid pick. As an out-of-print title, paying a premium is harder to justify when Blokus and similar games are easier to source. Check the used market first.
What games are similar to Block It!?
Blokus is the closest match, with the same territory-blocking feel but using polyomino shapes instead of single blocks. Kess, Pentago, Quoridor, and Pylos hit similar quick-abstract slots. For a heavier alternative, Hive offers tactical blocking with more strategic depth and a clearer combat structure.
