Deluxe Pente, by Winning Moves Games USA, Family Strategy Game of Capture Stones for 2 to 4 Players, Ages 8+

Deluxe Pente is a fast moving game of skill for 2 to 4 players. Pente resembles checkers in ease of learning and simplicity, plays like a sophisticated tic-tac-toe, and yet approaches chess in its tactical depth and wonderful variety. This sleek strategy game originated in the 1970’s. Be the first player to place 5 stones in a row, or to capture 5 pairs of your opponent’s stones, and win the game! There are multiple variations of the game for greater challenge and complexity. This deluxe version contains a roll-up Pente game board (with rubber backing), 4 sets of colored glass stones (blue, green, clear and amber), four cloth drawstring stone storage bags and illustrated instructions. Recommended for ages 8

HISTORY: This ingenious game was invented by Gary Gabrel while working as a dishwasher at a pizza place in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It went on to become one of the best-selling games at Parker Brother in the 1980’s.
PLAYERS: Pente is one of those rare awesome 2 player strategy games, that is equally as awesome with 3 players or teams of 2.
THE BOARD: For those that remember, the board is just like the original. It is made of mouse pad like material and rolls up so it can easily go in a back pack!
THE PLAY: Players take turns placing 1 stone on the board at a time. The object is to simply get 5 in a row, or to capture 5 sets of your opponents stones..
CAPTURE: Often times it’s easier to capture your opponents stones than to get 5 in a row. A capture happens when you surround 2 of your opponents stones on both sides.