Play Tips
From Polarity
Revision as of 22:51, 15 January 2006
These tips have been contributed by members of the community. They are intended as a general guide to play. Feel free to add your own or contribute to others if you feel they can be expanded. Specific advanced techniques such as the creation of double leaners should be placed on the Advanced Methods page.
Contents |
Distance
If you desire to avoid faulting it is advisable to play away from other pieces. Playing close to another piece limits the way in which you can play, especially in your ability to subsequently convert your leaners. This is due to the conflicting magnetic fields created by pieces in close proximity. Often, your ability to place a piece at a desired angle will be limited by nearby fields. Where there are other leaners around there is a heightened possibility of faulting by causing one to drop, or roll around uncontrolled.
Obviously, you might want to reverse this advice if you're trying to force an opponent to make mistakes. By playing close to their pieces you are making their subsequent play more risky.
Territory
Vitally important is having the space in which to place your pieces. As noted in Distance above, playing close to other pieces is more risky. If you can claim more of the board with your pieces then you have the advantage of being able to play more safely when necessary.
The Use of Towers
A tower can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives you points and allows you to restrict your opponent's play. On the other, they restrict your own play and can be tricky to place pieces on. If you fault on a tower, your opponent can claim it and take the points for himself. So when placing towers think carefully about whether you should play them offensively or defensively.
Practice
If you can practice the basic techniques until they become second nature, then your play will be much improved because you will be free to concentrate on higher objectives and strategy. You will also be less likely to fault carelessly when you have developed a feel for how the pieces interact.
