Overview
At a glance
Is this game right for my group?
ABG editorial scores on a 1–5 scale.
Harder to teach
High replayability
Highly interactive
Scales well
Deep strategy
How it plays
How does it play?
In Mattock, you play miners digging corridors through the rock. You can’t dig too closely together though, or the mine will collapse.
Core mechanisms
Key systems that shape the decisions players make.
Network and Route Building
Create connected routes that improve reach, delivery, control, or scoring.
Connections
Create meaningful links between locations, pieces, or concepts.
Map Addition
Expand the playable map by adding new tiles, regions, or spaces.
Pattern Recognition
Identify recurring visual, spatial, or logical arrangements.
Hexagon Grid
Use a hexagonal map where each space connects evenly in six directions.
Read the full game description
In Mattock, you play miners digging corridors through the rock. You can’t dig too closely together though, or the mine will collapse. To win, trap your opponent so they run out of space to mine. Playing the Game: On your turn, take these 3 steps in order: ? Mine Place 1 tile on an open space next to, or connected by other tiles to, at least 1 of your miners. Opponent’s miners block connections. To prevent the mine from collapsing, the tile must not touch: • more than 3 other tiles; • a tile which already touches 3 other tiles. If you have any miners which were removed on previous turns, place 1 of them on this tile. If you cannot Mine, you lose the game. ? Move You may choose to move any 1 of your miners to a tile connected to it. You do not have to move. You may move through your own miners, but opponent’s miners block your path. ? Remove Remove all opponent miners that are now both: • Not connected to another opponent miner; • Connected to 2 or more of your miners. Your opponent takes the removed miner(s) and will place 1 back on the board on their turn. -description from designer