Socker is a two player abstract game that simulates a rough and tumble, soccer-like game where socking opposing pieces is a means to the end zone.
On a turn, a player must perform one to three actions listed below using any of his or her upright (referred to as active) sockers.
- Move. An active socker may be moved to any adjacent empty space. This includes the goal and out of bounds areas. However, at the end of a player's turn, no more that three of his or her sockers may be in the goal and out of bounds areas.
- Kick. If an active socker is adjacent to the ball, the ball may be kicked directly away one space provided the destination space is empty. When the ball is kicked out of bounds, it is immediately moved to the center space of the same row. If the center space is occupied, a space adjacent to the center space will automatically be selected by ZoG.
- Sock. If an active socker is adjacent to an opponent's socker, then the opponent's socker may be pushed directly away one space provided the destination space is empty. The pushed socker is then put on its side to indicate that it is inactive and will not be able to perform any actions for one turn. An opponent's inactive socker may be pushed again but still remains inactive for only one turn.
The goal of the game is to kick the ball over your goal line.
The complete rules to Socker can be found in the accompanying pdf file.
The ZoG rules file includes the standard game and three variants that vary the number of sockers, number of actions and board size.
The are two different balls and multiple sets of sockers for those that like to change piece sets. Those with a paint program (MS Paint, Paint Shop Pro, etc.) can change some of the socker images to their favorite team colors.
After mastering the ZoG version, Socker can be played online against other players using Arty Sandler's Sandbox game at www.iggamecenter.com. There's a great selection of abstract games at this site. It's free and with no strings attached! |
