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Soujiro's Top Ten   Table of Contents   Sudoku

The Q formation is common in games of Triple Triad much like the T and L formation. While these were discussed briefly by Nimloth in November 2006 issue, I will be taking a more in-depth look at them.

Because there are many ways for the Q formation to form, I will not be discussing it. Ideally, if the Q formation is something you wish to use, you need to play cards that force your opponent into playing in the appropriate spots but sometimes the Q formation can be formed incidentally.

If you are unfamiliar with the Q formation, it looks like this:



Note that the formation can also be rotated and flipped around.

The General Strategy

The examples that follow contain similar strategies. They also work regardless of what cards are currently owned by either player.

For first turn players, you want to try and make sure that your cards will be able to take cards that are played before the Q is formed so you will always be able to take cards to even the score or take the lead.

For second turn players, you always want to play cards that your opponent cannot take over while trying to defend your own cards or take cards that were played once the Q is formed.

We will now take a look at a few examples and I will give you an idea for what the first and second player should do in each as well as what you should do before reaching the Q formation.

There is one major disadvantage to the Q formation and that is not having the right cards to play. If you can see that the Q formation has a high chance of forming, but know your cards will be of little help, try to play out of your way so that another formation gets formed.

Note that whenever the Q formation is formed, it next turn will always be the second players.

Example 1



Score: 6-4

First Turn Players

Before the Q is formed, and before you arrive at the Q formation, there are some things you should try and do before hand. The first thing is to make sure that you can take both your opponents cards in spot 2 and 4. The second thing to do is to try and make it so that you can take both the corner card you play in spot 9 and the card in spot 5 from the adjacent spots (6 and 8)

Now, the rest depends on how your opponent plays. If your opponent takes your corner card, you are guaranteed at least a tie as long as you play next to the card your opponent just played since your opponent will not have any cards to take back during his/her next turn.

However, your opponent may play in one of the corners instead. If possible, take the card your opponent just played along with the other card on the side. By doing so, you are guaranteed at least a tie.

Now, if you do not have any or all the cards available before the Q formation is formed, your strategy my change and you will have to rely on your opponent's cards more. Take a careful look at your opponent's cards and see what he/she can do with them and work off them.

Second Turn Players

Before the Q is formed: Before you arrive at the Q formation, there is something you should try and do. You should always try and play cards that your opponent CANNOT flip over. This will make it harder for your opponent to even the score and take the lead in the end.

Make sure to check your opponent's what cards your opponent has. After the Q has been formed, try to play cards your opponent cannot take back. For example, if you can play a card in the corner that your opponent cannot take, your opponent will have a harder time tying or winning since you've stopped your opponent from taking a card.

Having second turns means you need to rely heavily on what your opponent has. There are no sure fire ways to ensure a tie or win based only on what cards you have.

Example 2



Score: 5-5

First Turn Players

Before the Q is formed: While similar to the previous example, you only need to make sure that you can take your opponent's card in the one corner (In this example, spot 3) and be able to take the cards in spot 5 and 9 from both sides. If possible, try to play a card in spot 2 or 4 (4 in this example) that your opponent cannot take over.

Because the score is even, you have a better chance of winning/tying this game. It is more likely that your opponent will play in one of the corners because he will either try and capture your card or defend one of his/her cards. If that is the case, there are two things you can do.

1) If you can take the card your opponent just played, you should take the chance now. Assuming you have the right cards before the Q is formed, then regardless of what your opponent does on his/her next turn, you will either win or tie.

2) If you cannot take the card your opponent just played, you should play in the other corner. Assuming you can take both cards in spot 5 and 9, you can guarantee at least a tie.

However, just like in the previous example, if you do not have the correct cards before the Q is formed, you may need to change your strategy and rely on your opponent's cards.

Second Turn Players

Before the Q is formed: It is similar to the previous example but with a few differences. Instead of having two cards next to the corners (spots 3 and 7), you will only have one. As well, it will be your card in the corner so if possible, you should try and play a card your opponent cannot take from either side.

If you can play a card in either corner and your opponent cannot take it over, that may be your best choice as a move. Ideally, what you want to do is play this card and also take your opponent's card which in this case is in spot 4 because you will take the lead and will make it easier for you to come back if your opponent is able to take a card or two in the next turn. If you cannot take your opponent's card in spot 4, you may want to defend your own card in spot 2 to prevent your opponent from taking it.

As with the other example, having second turn relies heavily on your opponent's cards. You need to play so that your opponent can take as little cards back as possible.

Playing with Combo

If you're playing a game with combo, your strategy may change. Depending on what cards are placed next to each other, you might choose not to take your opponent's card where possible. If you see that your opponent can take your card with a rule such as Same or Plus, the effects could be devastating, especially if you are not able to come back with a combo of your own. Be weary of what's on the board and always check to see if you and your opponent is able to create a combo before playing your next card.

Playing with Closed

Depending on what kind of closed player you are, you can throw many of the strategies I've noted in the examples away because those strategies rely on knowing what your opponent has. However, you can still use the strategies I've given and hope that your opponent isn't able to take over.

That is all for strategies on the Q formation. I hope that this has helped anyone who reads through this. Remember that these are just some strategies. You may have your own that work better but at least give these strategies a try before passing on them.

Until the next article, happy Triple Triading.