Game L

Initial position game L.

The L game is an abstract game for two players created by Edward de Bono in 1972. It is played with a 4 x 4 square board, an L-shaped piece of dimensions 3 x 2 for each player and 2 neutral pieces that do not belong to either of them, but can be moved by either of them.

Game mechanics

Each player, in turn, must move their L piece to a new position. The piece can be picked up, turned over, or turned upside down and then placed back on the board in any place or position. A position is considered to be new if at least one of the covered cells is different. The piece can be placed anywhere on the board as long as it covers an exact configuration of squares not occupied by any other piece. After moving piece L, the player may, if he wishes, move any one of the neutral pieces to any unoccupied square.

The object of the game is to force the opponent into a position from which they can move no further. The game is won when the opponent cannot change the position of his L piece (This must always move before touching any neutral piece).