TZAAR is a replacement for TAMSK in the GIPF series of two-player abstract games. It now represents the second game in the line-up.

TZAAR is a game about making choices. Both players have 30 pieces divided into three types: 6 Tzaars 9 Tzarras and 15 Totts. The three types of pieces form a trinity: They cannot exist without each other. The aim is to make the opponent run out of one of the three types of elements. You can also try to manipulate your opponent into a position where they will not be able to capture any more of your pieces.

The tricky question the players will have to ask themselves on each of their turns is: “Shall I make myself stronger or my opponent weaker?” Meaning: Will you capture an opponent’s piece and make him weaker or will you jump on top of one of your own pieces and make yourself stronger?

If you choose to jump on top of your own pieces too often you will probably leave your opponent with too many pieces on the board. On the other hand if you capture too often you may end up with pieces that are not strong enough at the end of the game. What to do? It is up to you to decide!