Switchbacks [Multilingual version]

Blaze a trail through uncharted terrain and mark the path along the way.

Switchbacks is a simple-to-learn tile-laying game that offers interesting decisions in a tight package.

How to Play

1. Check Your Tiles
   At the start of the game, each player knows one tile that will not be included. How you use this information is key.
2. Play a Tile
   You can place a tile anywhere on the board. Observe others closely—are they building a trail, discarding a throwaway tile, or blocking something?
3. Place a Hiker or Buddy Up
   Either place your hiker on the board or combine two of your hikers on the sideboard to prepare for the next turn.
4. Score!
   Hikers score on trails of four continuous tiles. The player with the most points wins.

What Makes Switchbacks Special?

Simple Rules & Tough Decisions

The game’s tough because the players make it tough, not because the rules are confusing–just the way we like it. We love when we can teach a game in a minute and every player (new and experienced) is instantly competitive!

Organic Partnerships

Table talk, teamwork, and betrayal can all manifest in Switchbacks, with no formal rules for them. How will you play? One group might love the game as a quick, peaceful filler game while another group is still agonizing over a mid-game act of war.

Hidden Info

Each player looks at and discards one tile at the beginning of the game. Will it be the key to your opponents’ strategies? Can you leverage that small amount of hidden information and turn it into a decisive win? Or, even if your information isn’t that important, can you bluff to make it seem like it is?

Strategy

Consider The Table Dynamic

Use every advantage to understand what your opponents are thinking! Table talk, personal relationships, previous games... if they betrayed you in Blood on the Clocktower, they'll betray you in Switchbacks!

Utilize Your Hidden Information

You know one tile that won't be included in the game. Can you manipulate the board so that your opponents rely on it?

Careful With Your Timing

Choosing to hike or buddy-up is a big decision! Be careful: go onto the board too eagerly and your opponents might block you or freeload off of your tiles. Go too late, and you might not have enough time to score!

What Players Are Saying

“Wow... it packs a lot of tension in 15 minutes!”
— Zee Garcia (The Dice Tower)

“Reading your opponents in a game is such a delight... Do I want to team up with them?... Can I block a hike?... What type of player are you?”
— Taylor's Side Table

Note

An English rulebook is not included. Please check the official site for the rules:
Switchbacks Official Page

Allplay Small Box Series

A series of games packed into a compact 12cm x 12cm x 5.3cm box!
Easy-to-learn rules and short playtimes make them perfect for travel and quick gaming sessions.

《See more games in this size》