Learn 'The Way'

By playing Flank.

1. Objective

Cover and move. Flank your opponents. Be the last player with any blocks remaining.

2. Components (to play at home)

Board

  • Standard 8×8 chessboard
  • Any grid or grid game board can be used (tiles, Go, Stratego, etc.)

Blocks

  • Each Block is a cube
  • 4 blocks per color, 4 colors available
  • Block faces:
    • One face has a dot (the "nose"), alternatively use an arrow on top.
    • Three faces have a line (the "body")
    • Top face is color-coded by teams (Blue, Orange, Black, Green)

Players

  • 2–4 players
  • 1-8 blocks per player (4 blocks recommended)

3. Setup

Board Setup

  • Place the board
  • Place your blocks anywhere in your half or quarter

Block Orientation

When placing blocks initially, choose an orientation for each block (which direction the nose/dot faces).

4. Gameplay

Turn Order

Best joke or youngest chooses who goes first and chooses clockwise/counterclockwise.

Actions per Turn

  • Up to 3 total moves per turn across any blocks
  • You may choose not to move
  • Distribute moves as desired (e.g., all 3 moves for one block, or 1 move each for three blocks)

5. Movement Rules

Pivot

  • 90-degree turn within the same square
  • Rotate block so nose (dot/arrow) faces new direction
  • One pivot = one move

Step

  • Move to an adjacent square (orthogonally, not diagonally)
  • Can move forward, backward, or laterally regardless of nose orientation
  • One step = one move

6. Attacking

Conditions to Attack

  • Nose must align to strike opponent's body
  • Must move into the opponent's square
  • Nose-on-nose or body-on-body aren't allowed

Executing an Attack

  • Successfully attacking removes opponent's block
  • You may continue moving/attacking if you have remaining moves

7. Ending the Game

Standard Victory

Last player with remaining blocks wins

Custom Victory Conditions

  • Capture the Flag (reach designated square)
  • Capture the Captain (mark a block)

8. Optional Variations

  • Solo: 2-4 players, no teams, 1-4 blocks each
  • Team Play: 2v2, 3v1, or 2v1
  • Custom Boards: Design maps with obstacles or specific terrain

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can a block move diagonally?

No. Steps are only orthogonal (forward, backward, left, right).

Can I pivot twice?

Yes, as long as you have moves remaining.

Does an attack require stepping?

Yes, you must move into the opponent's square for a valid attack.

Are there any limits to how many attacks can be made in one turn?

You may attack as long as you have moves left in your turn.