Overview

Da Vinci’s Challenge is a two-player abstract strategy game played on a board featuring the ancient “Flower of Life” pattern studied by Leonardo da Vinci. Players take turns placing oval and triangle pieces to create geometric patterns and score points. The game ends when the board is full or no more patterns can be made, and the player with the highest score wins.

Components

• 1 Flower of Life game board
• Oval pieces (one set per player)
• Triangle pieces (one set per player)
• Score track

Setup

1. Place the Flower of Life board between the two players.
2. Each player takes all pieces of their color (ovals and triangles).
3. Set score markers to zero.

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns. On your turn, place one piece (oval or triangle) on any vacant matching position on the board.

Actions

Place a Piece

• Choose an oval or triangle from your supply.
• Place it on any vacant position that matches the piece’s shape.
• After placing, check if the placement completes any scoring patterns.
• Score points for each pattern completed.

Scoring Patterns

Pattern	Points	Description
Triangle (3 pieces)	1	Three pieces forming a small triangle
Diamond (4 pieces)	2	Four pieces forming a diamond shape
Pinwheel (6 pieces)	3	Six pieces in a pinwheel arrangement
Star (6 pieces)	5	Six-pointed star pattern
Circle (12 pieces)	10	Full circle of 12 pieces

Patterns can be formed using a mix of your pieces and your opponent’s pieces, but you only score if you place the completing piece.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The game ends when:

• The board is completely filled, or
• Neither player can form any more scoring patterns.

The player with the highest score wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• A single placement can complete multiple patterns simultaneously — score all of them.
• Patterns include pieces of both colors; you score for completing the pattern regardless of who owns the individual pieces.
• The Flower of Life pattern creates overlapping scoring opportunities.
• There are limited placement spots for each shape (oval vs triangle); plan accordingly.

Player Reference

Turn: Place 1 piece (oval or triangle) → Score any completed patterns

Scoring: Triangle=1, Diamond=2, Pinwheel=3, Star=5, Circle=10

Game End: Board full or no more patterns possible → Highest score wins