Blokus Board Game Review
Blokus, designed by Bernard Tavitian and published by Educational Insights in 2000, remains one of the most accessible abstract strategy games on the market. This tile-laying game challenges 2-4 players to claim territory on a shared board using Tetris-shaped pieces. With a 20-minute playtime and a recommended age of 7+, Blokus earned the 2003 Mensa Select award and a Spiel des Jahres recommendation. This review examines whether Blokus deserves its place among the best family strategy games.
Blokus Overview
Blokus pits players against each other in a spatial puzzle where everyone competes for limited board space. Each player controls 21 polyomino pieces in a single colour and must place them according to one critical rule. Your pieces cannot share edges with your own pieces but must connect corner-to-corner.
The objective is straightforward. Place as many of your pieces as possible before running out of legal moves. The player with the fewest unplaced squares wins. This simple goal creates surprisingly deep tactical decisions as the board fills up.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Designer | Bernard Tavitian |
| Publisher | Educational Insights, Mattel |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Players | 2-4 |
| Age Range | 7+ |
| Playing Time | 20 minutes |
| Game Type | Abstract Strategy, Territory Building |
| Complexity Rating | 1.73 / 5 |
What’s in the Blokus Box
The Blokus box contains everything needed to start playing immediately. The components are durable and colourful, designed to withstand repeated family game nights.
| Component | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Game Board | 1 | 400-square grid (20×20) |
| One-Square Pieces | 4 | 1 per colour |
| Two-Square Pieces | 4 | 1 per colour |
| Three-Square Pieces | 8 | 2 per colour |
| Four-Square Pieces | 20 | 5 per colour |
| Five-Square Pieces | 48 | 12 per colour |
The translucent plastic pieces come in red, green, blue, and yellow. Each colour set contains 21 unique shapes totalling 84 pieces across all players. The board features a sturdy construction with a recessed playing surface that keeps pieces from sliding.
Blokus Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rules take under two minutes to explain, making it perfect for mixed-age groups and new gamers.
- No luck or randomness means every win comes from skill and planning.
- The 20-minute playtime encourages multiple sessions in one sitting.
- Colourful pieces attract younger players while the strategy satisfies adults.
- Scales well from 2 to 4 players with official variant rules for each count.
- Awarded the Mensa Select seal and recommended for Spiel des Jahres.
Cons
- Two-player games require each person to control two colours, which some find less engaging.
- Players can be eliminated early if opponents focus on blocking them.
- Limited replay variety since no cards, dice, or variable setup exists.
- Analysis paralysis can slow games with overthinking players.
- Storage insert does not always keep pieces organized after transport.
How to Play Blokus
Blokus features turn-based gameplay where players alternate placing one piece per turn. The game flows quickly once everyone understands the core placement rule.
Setup
Place the board in the centre of the table. Each player chooses a colour and takes all 21 pieces of that colour. In a four-player game, each player sits at one corner of the board. For two players, each person controls two colours sitting at opposite corners.
Turn Structure
On your turn, place one piece from your supply onto the board. Your first piece must cover a corner square of the board. Every subsequent piece must touch at least one corner of your previously placed pieces. Your pieces can never share an edge with another piece of the same colour. Pieces of different colours may touch along edges freely.
Winning Blokus
The game ends when no player can make a legal move. Count the squares on your unplaced pieces. The player with the fewest unplaced squares wins. A perfect score of zero means you placed every piece. Placing your single-square piece last earns bonus points in the advanced scoring variant.
Blokus Game Mechanics
Blokus combines area control with spatial reasoning in a unique way. The corner-connection rule forces players to think several moves ahead while watching opponents.
Grid coverage drives the core experience. You want to spread across the board early, claiming space before others cut you off. The larger five-square pieces cover more ground but become harder to place as the game progresses.
Hand management matters because piece selection affects future options. Using small pieces early leaves you flexible late-game. Saving large pieces too long means they may never fit. Experienced players learn which shapes work well together and which create dead ends.
Player interaction happens through blocking rather than direct conflict. Every piece you place limits where opponents can expand. Skilled players recognize when to race for open territory versus when to wall off a competitor.
Where to Buy Blokus
Blokus remains widely available through major retailers and online stores. The current suggested retail price sits around $21.59.
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Standard and travel editions available |
| Target | Often stocked in-store |
| Walmart | Budget-friendly option |
| Miniature Market | Board game specialty retailer |
| BoardGameBliss | Canadian retailer with international shipping |
| Local Game Stores | Support your local shop |
Who Should Play Blokus
Blokus works best for families with children aged seven and up. The visual nature of the game means kids can compete meaningfully against adults. Groups who enjoy tile placement games like Azul or Patchwork will find familiar satisfaction here.
Players who prefer games without luck will appreciate the pure strategy. Chess and checkers fans often enjoy Blokus as a lighter alternative with more colourful presentation. The game also serves well as a gateway for introducing non-gamers to modern board games.
Skip Blokus if your group dislikes direct competition or struggles with spatial reasoning tasks. The game can feel frustrating when one player dominates through experience. Consider cooperative board games instead if your group prefers working together.
FAQ
Is Blokus good for beginners?
Blokus ranks among the best gateway games for new players. The rules take two minutes to learn, and the visual gameplay makes sense immediately. Children as young as seven can play competently. No reading required means language barriers disappear.
How long does Blokus take to play?
Most games finish within 20 minutes once everyone knows the rules. First games may run slightly longer as players explore their options. The quick playtime makes Blokus ideal for multiple rounds or as a warm-up game before longer sessions.
What is the best player count for Blokus?
Four players delivers the intended experience with maximum interaction and competition. Three players works well using the official variant where one colour remains neutral. Two players requires each person to control two colours, which changes the strategic feel significantly.
Is Blokus worth buying?
At under $25, Blokus offers excellent value for families and casual gaming groups. The durable components last for years. However, dedicated gamers may find the replay value limited compared to games with more variability. Consider it essential for family collections.
What games are similar to Blokus?
Blokus Duo provides a two-player focused version on a smaller board. Blokus 3D adds vertical stacking for experienced players. Outside the family, Patchwork and Azul offer similar spatial puzzle satisfaction with different themes and mechanisms.
