diversion - a game to send you off the straight road!
diversion
from FD Games
- board, rules, pieces & e-mail support
See also:
links to Acorn Publisher website ...
diversion board game
designed by John Cartmell
using RISC OS software (ArtWorks)
diversion is a simple game for 2-4 players
but where you move dictates
where your opponent can move.
Do you go for speed or sending your opponent in circles?
It appears that diversion was based on Triad by Philip I Berresford. Philip didn't leave an e-mail or snail-mail address so I haven't been able to contact him but there's a free copy of diversion for him if he gets in touch.
Although diversion was inspired by Triad there are some important differences between the games. diversion is for 2 to 4 players, there are four rather than one direction indicators and they can be changed in the progress of a game. Finally there are traps in the diversion game.
This is the first time I've attempted to port a game from an electronic version and the conversion and extension is surprisingly successful.
diversion was a new game for Christmas 2001 and it looks like it might be as successful as was RoCo which was released just a year earlier.
diversion is designed to be played by 2 to 4 people and plays well as a 3 player game.
Rule Changes
There are no rule changes.
As diversion is a new game we particularly welcome feedback from anyone with ideas for improving the game and for alternative rules. e-mail with any help you may be able to give us.
Board Changes
The board has had a number of minor modifications following its initial release but there have been no changes that effect the way the game is played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you write the name diversion with a lower-case d?
Why not?
For trivia purposes only the game t'other also follows this odd rule.
In a 3 or 4 player game, if I'm playing red I should move according to the position of the playing piece belonging to the player on my left. This could be blue. If the indicator is set to red/blue and blue player is still on the blue starting space then I can't move. Is this a mistake?
No. The same problem arises in a 2-player game if you're red and your opponent is green. The rules state that you should return to your starting position (but you're already there) and, in effect, you'll simply miss that turn. Our games are intended to make you think so you'll soon learn to avoid red; ensure that the indicator cube doesn't start on red/blue; or you'll be gracious(!) and allow blue (or green) to be first player. You'll also not put new players in that position or they'll quickly learn that you cheat!
As it's a fundamental part of the game we thought it best to include such a trap very early in the game where the consequences are minimal.
There are other traps so beware...
Send us an e-mail to order diversion for £12 plus p&p (£3 in UK) or to comment on the game / ask for clarification of the rules. If you own a copy of diversion and haven't e-mailed before then please quote the unique number on your diversion board. See also - other single-board games, and:
- Four Square - a 3rd Millennium (level 1) Game that uses any number of boards and players;
and two Games from History - - Krikos - circular chess boards
- Rithmomachia - the game for philosophers
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