Dao (game)

Dao is a two-player abstract strategy board game, which won the Mensa Select award in 2001. It comprises a 4x4 playing board with four playing pieces for each player.

The aim of the game is to arrange your pieces in certain winning formations before your opponent can. It is unique because any piece that is moving must move as far as it can.

It was invented by Ben VanBuskirk of Point Roberts, Washington, and Jeff Pickering of Monument, Oregon.

There are four different ways to win the game: one is by forming a 2x2 square with your four pieces, by forming a straight vertical or horizontal line with your four pieces, placing your four pieces in all four corners, and by having one of your pieces cornered by three of the opponents pieces.