Overview

ConHex is an abstract strategy game for two players (Yellow and Red). Both aim to complete a contiguous chain of connected cells between the two sides of their color on the board. Draws are not possible. Cells are claimed by surrounding them with pegs.

Components

• 1 ConHex board with 41 cells and 69 holes
• 26 rectangular markers of each color (Yellow and Red)
• 26 pegs of each color (Yellow and Red)
• Carrying case

Setup

1. Place the empty ConHex board between the two players.
2. Each player selects a color (Yellow or Red) and takes all 26 pegs and 26 rectangles of their color.
3. Red starts the game.

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns. On each turn, the current player places one of their pegs on an empty hole on the board. Placing a peg may conquer one or more adjacent cells.

Actions

Placing a Peg:

• Place one peg of your color on any empty hole on the board.

Conquering a Cell:

• A cell is conquered by the first player to occupy at least half of its surrounding holes.
• When a cell is conquered, a rectangle of the conquering player’s color is placed on that cell.
• The central cell has five surrounding holes and is conquered by the player who occupies any three of those holes. No rectangle needs to be placed for the central cell.

Swap Option:

• On Yellow’s first move (the second move of the game), Yellow may elect to swap colors instead of placing a peg. This prevents overly strong opening moves by Red.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The first player to complete a contiguous chain of connected cells of their color between the two sides of their color wins the game. Ties are not possible due to the board geometry.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• The swap rule only applies to Yellow’s very first turn.
• Once a cell is conquered, it cannot change ownership.
• A single peg placement can conquer multiple cells simultaneously if it completes the required majority around more than one cell.
• The central cell requires 3 out of 5 holes (majority), while standard cells require half of their surrounding holes.

Player Reference

Cell Type	Holes Around It	Pegs Needed to Conquer
Standard edge cell	3-4	2 (half or more)
Standard interior cell	6	3 (half)
Central cell	5	3

Key rules:

• Red goes first
• Yellow may swap colors on first turn
• Place 1 peg per turn
• Conquer cells by occupying at least half of surrounding holes
• Win by connecting your two sides with a chain of conquered cells