Gobblers

Gobblers is a fast, clever 2-player strategy game that takes the simple idea of noughts and crosses and gives it a hungry twist!

Your goal is straightforward: be the first player to line up three of your Gobblers in a row. But there's a catch — your Gobblers come in different sizes, and larger Gobblers can cover smaller ones.

That means the board is constantly changing.

You might think you've spotted a winning line, only for your opponent to gobble up one of your pieces. Or you might move a large Gobbler and reveal a smaller piece hiding underneath that completely changes the game!

Easy to learn but surprisingly strategic, Gobblers combines memory, observation, focus and forward planning in a quick game that's perfect for two players.

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Why You'll Love Gobblers

• A fun and accessible 2-player strategy game.
• A clever twist on classic Tic-Tac-Toe / noughts and crosses.
• Be the first to get three of your Gobblers in a row.
• Gobble up smaller pieces by covering them with larger Gobblers.
• Move Gobblers around the board to create new opportunities.
• Remember what's hiding underneath your larger pieces.
• Easy to learn and quick to play.
• Encourages memory, strategy, focus and attention.
• Great for children and adults to play together.
• Small number of rules, but plenty of opportunities for clever plays.
• Perfect for a quick game when you don't have time for a longer board game.
• Designed by Thierry Denoual.
• Published by Blue Orange Games.

Blue Orange describes Gobblers as a modern twist on the game that started it all, with players placing pieces in empty spaces or covering smaller pieces to create a line of three.

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How to Play Gobblers

The basic idea is simple:

Get three of your Gobblers in a row before your opponent does.

But because the Gobblers come in different sizes, you need to think carefully about every move.

1. Choose Your Colour

Each player chooses a colour and takes their six Gobblers.

Each player has:

• 2 small Gobblers
• 2 medium Gobblers
• 2 large Gobblers

The different sizes are what make the game so interesting.

2. Place Your Gobblers

On your turn, you can place one of your Gobblers onto an empty space on the 3×3 board.

But you can also place a larger Gobbler over a smaller Gobbler, covering it up.

That means your opponent's apparently safe piece might suddenly disappear beneath one of your Gobblers.

3. Move Your Gobblers

Instead of adding a new Gobbler, you can move one of your pieces that's already on the board.

You can move it to an empty space or use a larger Gobbler to cover a smaller one.

But be careful...

You need to remember what's underneath.

A Gobbler that looks like one colour on top might be hiding your opponent's piece underneath.

4. Gobble Your Opponent

This is the twist that makes Gobblers different from traditional noughts and crosses.

A larger Gobbler can cover a smaller Gobbler of either colour.

So instead of simply blocking your opponent, you can literally gobble their piece up.

You can even gobble your own pieces, creating new tactical possibilities.

5. Line Up Three

Get three of your visible Gobblers in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line and you win!

It sounds easy.

It isn't.

Because pieces can move and hide other pieces, the winning line can change at any moment.

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A Simple Game With Surprisingly Deep Strategy

Gobblers is one of those games that's incredibly easy to explain but gives you plenty to think about once you start playing.

You need to consider:

Where should I put my next Gobbler?

Can I block my opponent?

Should I cover their piece?

What's hiding underneath that Gobbler?

If I move this piece, what will I reveal?

The game rewards players who can think ahead while remembering the hidden pieces on the board.

Blue Orange highlights memory, strategy, focus and attention as key skills developed through Gobblers.

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Gobblers: Noughts and Crosses With a Twist

If your family enjoys noughts and crosses, Gobblers is a fantastic next step.

The objective is familiar:

Get three in a row.

But instead of having identical pieces that simply occupy a square, Gobblers introduces different-sized pieces that can cover one another.

That creates much more interaction between the players.

A position that looks like a winning move can suddenly change when a larger Gobbler covers it.

And because pieces can move, you can't simply rely on the board position you see.

You have to remember what's underneath.

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A Great Strategy Game for Kids

Gobblers is particularly well suited to introducing younger players to strategy games.

The rules are straightforward, turns are quick and there's no complicated scoring system.

At the same time, children are encouraged to practise:

• Memory.
• Pattern recognition.
• Planning.
• Problem solving.
• Observation.
• Spatial awareness.
• Forward thinking.

The current Blue Orange edition is listed for ages 6+ and 2 players.

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Gobblers for Families

Because Gobblers only needs two players, it's an easy game to bring out when you want something quick to play together.

It's ideal for:

• Parents and children.
• Siblings.
• Grandparents and grandchildren.
• Two friends.
• Quick family game nights.
• After-school games.
• Travel and holidays.
• Anyone who enjoys abstract strategy games.

And because a game can be played very quickly, it's easy to have a rematch.

And another rematch.

And another.

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Who Is Gobblers For?

Gobblers is a great choice for:

• Families.
• Children aged 6+.
• Parents looking for an educational game.
• Fans of noughts and crosses.
• Fans of abstract strategy games.
• Two-player households.
• People who enjoy memory games.
• Players who enjoy quick games.
• Anyone looking for an easy-to-learn strategy game.
• Adults who enjoy deceptively simple games.

If you're looking for a quick 2-player board game that doesn't require a huge amount of setup, Gobblers is an excellent choice.

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Why Buy Gobblers From Roll The Dice?

At Roll The Dice, we love games that are easy to learn but reward clever play.

Gobblers is exactly that kind of game.

It takes the instantly recognisable idea of getting three in a row and adds a clever layer of hidden information, movement and tactical decisions.

It's a brilliant little game to keep on the shelf for those moments when you fancy a quick game without committing to a full evening of gaming.

Line up. Gobble up. Think ahead. Win!

Every order is packed with care by fellow board gamers, with fast UK dispatch and friendly customer service.

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Game Information

Blue Orange's current edition lists Gobblers for ages 6+ and 2 players, with 12 Gobblers and a playing grid included.

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What's Included?

The current Blue Orange edition contains:

• 1 playing grid
• 12 Gobblers
• Illustrated rules

There are six Gobblers in each colour, with different sizes allowing players to cover smaller pieces.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gobblers?

Gobblers is a 2-player abstract strategy game inspired by noughts and crosses. Players compete to get three of their Gobblers in a row while using larger pieces to cover smaller Gobblers.

How do you play Gobblers?

On your turn, you can either add one of your Gobblers to the board or move a Gobbler already in play. Larger Gobblers can cover smaller Gobblers, so players need to think carefully about what is visible and what is hidden.

How do you win Gobblers?

The first player to create a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of three Gobblers in their colour wins.

Can you cover your opponent's Gobbler?

Yes. A larger Gobbler can cover a smaller Gobbler, including one belonging to your opponent.

Can you cover your own Gobbler?

Yes. You can use a larger Gobbler to cover one of your own smaller pieces.

Is Gobblers like noughts and crosses?

Yes, but with an important difference. Like noughts and crosses, the goal is to get three in a row. Gobblers adds different-sized pieces that can cover one another, plus movement and memory elements.

How many people can play Gobblers?

Gobblers is a 2-player game.

What age is Gobblers suitable for?

The current Blue Orange edition is recommended for ages 6 and up.

Is Gobblers a good game for children?

Yes. The simple rules make it accessible while the hidden pieces encourage children to develop memory, observation, strategy and forward planning.

Is Gobblers a strategy game?

Yes. Although the rules are simple, players need to plan ahead, remember covered pieces and anticipate their opponent's moves.

Who designed Gobblers?

Gobblers was designed by Thierry Denoual.

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You May Also Enjoy

If you enjoy Gobblers, you may also like:

• Gobblet Gobblers – another fun take on three-in-a-row with pieces that can cover one another.
• Gobblet – a deeper version of the same general concept, played on a larger 4×4 board.
• Quoridor – a clever abstract strategy game for two players.
• Hive – a portable strategy game with no board required.
• Blokus – simple rules with plenty of strategic depth.

For more games like Gobblers, explore our 2-Player Games, Family Games, Kids' Games, Strategy Games, Abstract Games and Quick Games collections.