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Kluster Board Game
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Kluster is a dexterity game with very minimal yet satisfying components. You get a piece of string, a drawstring bag and a handful of powerful, pebble-shaped magnets. You must place these magnets in places to force your opponents into corners, make them make mistakes and make sure you do not force them magnets to attract together yourself.
Kluster is an extremely quick, simple and tactile game that anyone in the family can play. From kids to grandma, everyone knows how magnets work and can easily grasp rules that are nearly non-existent. Place a magnet and move on, perhaps more of an activity than a game, Kluster is wildly entertaining. It gets everyone around the table shouting as the magnets clickety-klack together.
Even just playing with the magnets in your hand while you wait your turn is soothing, they are smooth, very powerful and of varying shapes and sizes. I mean, who does not want to play with magnets? They are basically magic. Kluster is a fun game that can be set up in seconds, played in minutes and put away lightning quick, great for journeys and can be played on just about any surface.
There is something to be said for games that take up no table space, can be explained in under a minute and have such a presence and tactility when you play them. Watching magnets shift and wobble as you place a risky piece in a small gap is exciting. Seeing everyone’s face around the table contort and crease up as each magnet is placed slowly and with so much care is brilliant.
Not many games have people slowly put down a piece and just hope that no other pieces start to slide towards them in an eruption of clicking and groaning. Kluster is fun for all ages, all skill levels and screams, “Just one more game”.
Player Count: 1-4
Time:10 minutes
Age: 14+
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Description
Kluster is a dexterity game with very minimal yet satisfying components. You get a piece of string, a drawstring bag and a handful of powerful, pebble-shaped magnets. You must place these magnets in places to force your opponents into corners, make them make mistakes and make sure you do not force them magnets to attract together yourself.
Kluster is an extremely quick, simple and tactile game that anyone in the family can play. From kids to grandma, everyone knows how magnets work and can easily grasp rules that are nearly non-existent. Place a magnet and move on, perhaps more of an activity than a game, Kluster is wildly entertaining. It gets everyone around the table shouting as the magnets clickety-klack together.
Even just playing with the magnets in your hand while you wait your turn is soothing, they are smooth, very powerful and of varying shapes and sizes. I mean, who does not want to play with magnets? They are basically magic. Kluster is a fun game that can be set up in seconds, played in minutes and put away lightning quick, great for journeys and can be played on just about any surface.
There is something to be said for games that take up no table space, can be explained in under a minute and have such a presence and tactility when you play them. Watching magnets shift and wobble as you place a risky piece in a small gap is exciting. Seeing everyone's face around the table contort and crease up as each magnet is placed slowly and with so much care is brilliant.
Not many games have people slowly put down a piece and just hope that no other pieces start to slide towards them in an eruption of clicking and groaning. Kluster is fun for all ages, all skill levels and screams, “Just one more game”.
Player Count: 1-4
Time:10 minutes
Age: 14+
Kluster is a one to four player abstract game designed by Paula Henning and Robert Henning and published by Boarderline Editions. Kluster is all about magnets and a piece of string. What is so exciting about magnets and a piece of string I hear you cry. Well, surprisingly a lot actually and a lot of laughs and groans can be found in this box of random things.
Sit down and get ready for the rules explanation. Divide the magnets equally between the players, place the piece of string on your playing surface. In turn order, place a magnet within the boundaries of the string and repeat. That is it. The first player to get rid of all their magnets is the winner.
The interesting part of the game is that these magnets are crazy powerful. If two or more magnets “kluster” on your turn by being attracted to each other then you collect all of the clustered magnets.
Final Thoughts
Kluster is a super simple game. The rules can be explained in a matter of seconds, set up is simple and this can pretty much be played anywhere with a flat surface. From grandchildren to grandparents and everyone in between would be able to play Kluster.
Now, I am not going to sit here and tell you about the hidden strategies and the depth of the game, this is not that kind of game. It is very much a featherweight light game.
The kind of game you can take to the pub and have a few drinks whilst playing with your mate. The kind of game you can give to your kids and let them have a go playing with the magnets. It’s the kind of game that you end up spending all night playing just so your partner can beat you in a best of 37 games kind of game (or is that just us). Either way, you get my point.
Opposites Attract
Yet, Kluster is a really fun game. You do have to be careful not to attract other magnets and form a Kluster. You also need to be careful not to repel a placed magnet into a bunch of other magnets and form a “Kluster Giant” (this is a made up term by the way).
The piece of string which defines the boundaries is just not quite big enough (or at least it seems that way) and someone will undoubtedly end up making a mistake. You can also carefully manipulate the boundaries but this comes with its own risks and moving already placed magnets.
For what Kluster is trying to be and do, it does it well. It is a great casual game, it comes in a small box and a bag that you could use to transport it. It is great for all ages and my kids especially loved playing it.
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Editors note: This post was originally published on 5th June 2024. Updated on 19th June 2024 to improve the information available.
I’ve had my eyes on this one for a little while now. It has regularly popped up for me in all sorts of places on social media and now I have finally have it. Thank you, secret Santa for Kluster.
What’s In The Box
This game is one of the simplest games I’ve played and not least because of the components within the box. 24 magnetic games pieces (which are actually all slightly different in shape) and one piece of string tied off in a loop. Not much at all.
How Do We Play?
As already noted it is a simple game, Really simple!
The game is intended for 2 to 4 players and those amounts players divide perfectly for the 24 playing pieces available. Divide the playing pieces equally among all players and you are ready to start.
Players then take it in turns to place one magnetic piece within the looped string. The first player to play their final piece is the winner. However, if at any point after you play a piece and the magnets attract to each other and “Kluster”, you have to pick up all those pieces stuck together and go again from there.
You do have the option to also manipulate the loop and pull it once in an outward direct. If you pull magnets though and they Kluster, you’re collecting.
It’s Brilliant
The tension in this short game is ridiculously high as you worry about the movement of the playing pieces each time.
It is important to note that you need a smooth playing surface for this one, a pit of sand will not have the desired effect. Playing on sheet ice though would be bonkers, I’d love to try the game that way.
Everyone is on tenterhooks through out every moment of the game. Praying the magnets do not move on your own time, whilst willing with every ounce of energy that the magnets Kluster on an opponent and open up a space on the playing area. It is so exciting and you can get a lot of games in, in a short space of time, great fun.
This game is also suitable for nearly anyone due to the simple mechanics and is already a firm family favourite in our home.
Final Thoughts
Simple, intense and quick to play. I highly recommend this little Kluster set to your collection.
Zatu Score
You might like
- A fun, accessible, casual game
- Portability
- Quick play time
Might not like
- Very little depth
- Very abstract with no artwork