Gameplay Guide

The Basics

Pinpoint is played on a 10x10 grid. The goal is to score points by forming patterns with coloured pins while preventing your opponent from doing the same.

• Players: 2-4 players (human or AI).
• Turns: Players take turns placing one pin from their hand onto the board.
• Hand: You start with 4 pins. Once you play all 4, you receive a new hand.

Scoring Patterns

You score points by creating lines, squares, and crosses with pins of the same colour.

Lines

• 1 Pin: 1 point
• 2 Pins: 2 points
• 3 Pins: 3 points
• 4 Pins: 4 points
• 5 Pins: 5 points
• 6+ Pins: 10 points + Reversal Bonus!

Squares (2x2)

Four pins forming a 2x2 square score 4 points. If placed on a section center (marked by grid intersections), they score 8 points.

Crosses (+)

Five pins forming a plus sign score 5 points. If centered on a blue grid line, they score 10 points.

Special Rules

Joker Pins

Jokers are wildcards! You can choose which colour a Joker represents when you play it. Once played, it turns Black and permanently counts as that chosen colour.

6-Line Reversal

This is the game-changer. If you form a line of 6 or more pins, they reverse colours:

• Red becomes Green
• Green becomes Red
• Purple becomes Yellow
• Yellow becomes Purple

Use this to disrupt your opponent's patterns or set up new ones for yourself!

Winning Strategy

To master Pinpoint, consider these advanced strategies:

• Control the Center: Placing pins near the section centers gives you more flexibility for creating Squares and Crosses.
• Block Your Opponent: Sometimes, placing a pin to disrupt an opponent's potential 6-line is more valuable than scoring a small line yourself.
• Setup for Reversals: Planning a reversal can completely flip the board's scoring balance. Look ahead to how the new colors will interact with existing pins.
• Diagonal Defense: Diagonal lines are often overlooked but can yield high points. Keep an eye on the 45-degree patterns.

Winning the Game

The game ends when the board is full or no more moves can be made. The player with the highest total score wins. In the event of a tie, the game is declared a draw, challenging you to refine your strategy for the next round!