Äcädmü

Overveiw

Other names

Tokens, Äcädmü (Kythus)

A game originating in Kythus, that is played in taverns an gambling halls throughout Entorais using a paired set of discs marked with three shapes in three colours. The material used, symbols, and colours vary widely with regional preferences, but the basic game and rules remain the same.

Simple farmers or tradesmen typically have sets of tokens carved from local hardwood, with simple cut shapes, and stained with plant dyes for colour. The most expensive set ever produced, belonging to the King of Kythus, is carved from ivory banded in gold and silver and inlaid with garnets, sapphires, and topazes.

Players play to eliminate each others discs while trying to have the most remaining after the round to score points according to two simple rules: “One by colour, two by shape”. The game is fast to play, and despite its exceedingly simple rules, can develop some very strategic play styles.

Pieces

A full set of tokens is 54 (two sub-sets of 27) discs (one dark, one light).

These tokens are marked with three symbols (Triangle, Square, and Circle) in three colours (Red, Blue, Yellow) such that each colour/shape pairing is present.

Rules

Tokens are removed from play in alternating turns according to two simple rules:

One by Colour

The colours are ranked in a circle, such that each can eliminate (1 token) of one other colour.

Red beats Blue beats Yellow beats Red.

Two by Shape

The shapes are ranked in a circle, such that each can eliminate (2 tokens) of one other shape.

Triangle beats Square beats Circle beats Triangle.

Initial Set Up

Two players determine who goes first by common agreement; usually by randomly selecting a token from their set and dropping it covered on the play surface for simultaneous reveal. The winner based on one by colour rule goes first; in the case of a tie, the two by shape rule is used. In the case of continued tie, then tokens are flipped over to reveal their other face, and compared again.

Play

They then shake up their full set of tokens in a cup and pour them onto the play surface before them. Any tokens that land cocked are move to lay flat, so that the upward face is top-side.

In alternating turns each player selects one token from their set and removes it; along with one, or two, tokens from their opponent's set according to either the one by colour or the two by shape rule.

If a player cannot eliminate any opponent tokens they must “pass” and allow their opponent to continue playing until they can no longer remove any token themselves.

Once both players can no longer play. They count their remaining tokens, and the player with the higher count scores the difference between counts.

If they have equal counts then neither player scores points that round.

Play then alternates such that the player who has the first play switches each round.

This continues until one player reaches, or surpasses, an agreed upon score; usually 12, 18, or 24 points depending on how long a match they desire.

Variant Rules

Aralian Scoring

Aralian players play in a manner such that each player scores their remaining token count at the conclusion of each round, rather than the difference in scores. This makes for a faster match overall, and in some cases the loser of the final round could win the match if they had a sufficient lead over their opponent.

Corinthean Squares

In Corinthea they play with a reduced number of revealed tokens. Instead of spreading all twenty seven tokens flat, they are stacked in nine stacks of three tokens each. Play proceeds as usual, but one may only choose from the topmost tokens of the stacks. Stacks that are reduced to zero tokens limit the players options further.

Tabrani Sets

In Tabras the full token count is thirty six per player, as hey include nine additional tokens where both faces are the same colour with difference shapes. Play follows the standard rules.

See Also

The Rules of Äcädmü (pdf)