Deluxe Pente, by Winning Moves Games USA, Family Strategy Game of Capture Stones for 2 to 4 Players, Ages 8+

This will sound unbelievable until you have played several games; but, this is a thrillingly exciting game to play, as incredibly complex scenarios, flavored of a long meticulously planned out tactical assault, emerge in the blink of an eye. As the game is paced so quickly (usually only lasting 2-7 minutes), you repeatedly enjoy the amped-up feeling of satisfaction similar to the end of a closely-matched sports competition, or tactical game that only a lasting struggle or the end of a match/battle/struggle can provide.How to play is simple:The Object of the game is to capture 5 pairs, or get 5 stones in a row (played on a grid). When 3 stones in a row go unblocked, it is an automatic win, as once we have 4 stones in a row, a block to either side cannot prevent the 5 stones in a row victory (Hence why it is customary to say open 3 when this happens to prevent a hollow victory that wastes the setup time and prevents the aforementioned end game of thrones [pun-intended, but in thinking on it, it is very similar to the excitement of a GOT episode but in two minutes not 60]). As per other descriptions, it truly is as easy to learn as tic tac toe, but can get as complex as mid/endgame chess instantaneously.***I previously didn't buy this particular version as I thought it was a board game version and not the flexible original soft mat. This is a beautiful version. For those who have played on an original board, I have two minor complaints: the board is slightly smaller than the original game, and the grid lines are tan instead of black.

Great game that is both simple and complex at same time. Kind of like skiing. Easy to play but hard to master.

Good family game

i had an original pente tube as a kid in the 1980s, and it has always been my favorite board game. this is a great version for the price.first, although it comes in a large box, the game board is a soft roll-up. if you really want a tube, any cardboard tube or poster holder will work. this is my family's main travel game, and we just take the tube and the bags of stones.second, the glass stones are not the best quality. there are noticeable size variations, which sometimes makes it tricky to see rows, potential captures, etc. my suggestion is to sort out the ~25% that are visibly smaller, and keep them in a separate bag. i don't think my family ever had a game that required all of the stones for any color, so you should be fine. i may eventually replace the stones with more even ones (and more color choices) from a craft store.third, the roll up board and bags of stones make this a great travel game. easy to pack and carry around (i do not bother with a tube; i just use a rubber band to keep the board rolled up.

I’ve been playing this game since college— so a LONG time! Bought this set for kids in my school library so I can take my roll up board from college home. They love the game and I think this set will hold up to middle schoolers!

I had the original version of this game when it came in a tube. It is good fun and a pretty good strategy game. The differences between this one and the original are the foam playing mat and box. The mat seems just a bit thinner (I don't think it will be as durable) and smaller. The stones are small. The box takes up more space for storage. However, it is good to have the game back in the stack of "thinking" games. It is a simple to learn game and great for most ages. I definitely recommend it.

My family LOVES this game! So much strategy involved. We play a lot of 2 player but 4 player is SO much fun!

I lost my Pente set somme years ago by theft. I've missed it, but didn't really have use of it anymore because I became an empty nester. Now I have kids in my life again and I'm so happy to have another Pente. Mygreat nieces and nephews love it.