ZÈRTZ
2 players • 15 min • ages 9+ • Kris Burm
- Designer
- Kris Burm
- Players
- 2 players
- Playing time
- 15 min
- Age
- 9+
- Genre
- Abstract strategy game
How it plays
ZÈRTZ plays 2 players, takes about 15 minutes to play, and is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Genres
More by the same designer
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Where to find one
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Where it came from
ZÈRTZ was released in 2000 as the fourth installment in the GIPF project, a series of six abstract strategy games designed by Kris Burm. Intended to explore the potential of modular board mechanics, the game tasks players with capturing spheres while simultaneously shrinking the physical playing area by removing tiles from the board. This mechanic creates an evolving, high-stakes environment where every move significantly narrows the tactical landscape.
The design prioritizes minimalist aesthetics and deep, deterministic gameplay that eschews hidden information or chance. Burm sought to craft a game that felt intuitive yet mathematically profound, drawing inspiration from the interplay between material scarcity and board control. Upon its release, it earned widespread recognition within the board gaming community, frequently praised for its elegant synthesis of simple rules and complex, punishing strategic depth.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real games collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About ZÈRTZ
ZÈRTZ is a game in the Board Games catalog on collecto.rs. 2 players • 15 min • ages 9+ • Kris Burm. It's filed under abstract strategy game. Catalog data is sourced from Wikidata. No public games collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How do you play ZÈRTZ?
ZÈRTZ is a board game for 2 players, running about 15 minutes, filed under abstract strategy game. collecto.rs catalogues the game, not its rules — for the full rulebook, use the copy in the box or the publisher's own site.
How many players is ZÈRTZ for?
ZÈRTZ is built for 2 players. That count comes from this catalog entry alone — nothing from an expansion or a spin-off is folded into it.
How long does ZÈRTZ take to play?
A game of ZÈRTZ is listed at about 15 minutes. Real sessions run shorter or longer depending on player count and how well the table already knows the game.
What age is ZÈRTZ for?
ZÈRTZ lists a minimum age of 9. That's a recommended starting age rather than a hard rule.
Who designed ZÈRTZ?
ZÈRTZ was designed by Kris Burm.
How many collectors track ZÈRTZ on collecto.rs?
ZÈRTZ doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of ZÈRTZ?
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Where does the ZÈRTZ catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for ZÈRTZ is sourced from Wikidata. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
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