PÜNCT

Overview

PÜNCT is the fifth game in the GIPF project, a two-player abstract connection game. Players attempt to connect two opposite sides of a hexagonal board by placing and moving three-dotted pieces. The game features a unique stacking mechanic where pieces can jump on top of others, blocking opponents and creating bridges. The standard game adds a secondary win condition based on central hexagon control.

Components

Component	Quantity
Game board	1
White pieces (3 dots each)	18
Black pieces (3 dots each)	18
White PUNCT-piece (marker)	1
Black PUNCT-piece (marker)	1
Bag	1
Rulebook	1

Piece types per player (18 total):

• 6 straight pieces
• 6 angular pieces
• 6 triangular pieces

Each piece has 3 dots: one colored dot (the “PUNCT”) and two minor dots. The PUNCT-piece is a round marker with one dot, used as a movement aid.

Setup

1. Place the board between players with its long side (marked with letters) running from one player to the other.
2. Draw lots for color. White begins.
3. Place your 18 pieces in front of you, visible to your opponent at all times.

Turn Structure

On your turn, you perform exactly one action: add a new piece, move a piece, or jump onto other pieces.

Actions

1. Adding a Piece

• Choose a piece from your set and place it on the board so each dot covers a space (always occupies 3 spaces).
• New pieces must be placed on the first level (board level) – never on top of existing pieces.
• Basic game: The first player may not place their first piece in the central hexagon.
• Standard game: No new piece may ever be placed directly in or partially in the central hexagon; only pieces already on the board may be moved into/out of it.

2. Moving a Piece

• Only move your own pieces.
• The PUNCT (colored dot) must be moved in a straight line, any number of spaces, over other pieces, and in/out of the central hexagon.
• After moving, you may rotate the piece using the PUNCT as the axis (minor dots swing around).
• Moving + rotating = one turn. You may also rotate without moving or move without rotating.
• All dots must remain on the board after rotation (no dots hanging off edges).
• Use the PUNCT-piece marker to mark the origin space for easier visualization.

3. Jumping on Top of Pieces

• Move a piece (already on the board) so its PUNCT lands on one of your own pieces (never on an opponent’s piece).
• After landing, you may rotate; minor dots may land on any pieces (yours or opponent’s).
• Covered dots are blocked: a piece with even one dot covered may not be moved or rotated.
• Pieces must land on 3 dots at the same level, unless making a bridge.
• Levels are unlimited: jump up or down any number of levels freely.
• Pieces on top always have precedence (they can cut connections).

4. Making a Bridge

• Straight and angular pieces can bridge a gap: their two end dots rest on other pieces while the middle dot is unsupported.
• Triangular pieces cannot bridge – they must always rest on 3 dots.
• The end dots must be at the same level for stability.
• A dot under a bridge is blocked; you cannot slide pieces under a bridge.
• The space under a bridge is also blocked.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Basic Game

• Win by connecting two opposite sides of the board with a continuous chain of your visible dots (viewed from above).
• Dots are connected if they occupy adjacent spaces, regardless of level.
• Both PUNCT and minor dots count for connections.
• If all pieces are placed and no connection is made, the game is undecided.

Standard Game (two differences from basic)

1. Placement restriction: New pieces may never be placed in or partially in the central hexagon.
2. Tiebreaker: If neither player completes a connection when the last piece is placed, count visible dots in the central hexagon (viewed from above). The player controlling more spaces wins. Equal = draw.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• PÜNCT is not a memory game: you may pick up one piece at a time to see what is underneath.
• The PUNCT-piece marker must be removed after each move – it cannot be left on the board or count as part of a connection.
• A connection can run in any of 3 directions (the board has 3 pairs of opposite sides).
• Only visible dots (from above) count for connections.

Player Reference

Action	Key Rule
Add piece	Board level only; 3 dots cover 3 spaces
Move piece	PUNCT moves in straight line; then optional rotation around PUNCT
Jump onto pieces	PUNCT must land on own piece; minor dots may land on any
Bridge	Straight/angular only; ends must be supported at same level
Win (basic)	Connect two opposite sides
Win (standard)	Connect sides OR most dots in central hexagon when all pieces placed