Quarto! (1991)

Quarto is an abstract strategy game that offers a unique blend of simplicity and depth. This game captures the essence of strategic thinking, wrapped in an elegant and easy-to-understand design.

“Right, so that's kind of a neat twist in Quarto that you're always giving your opponent the piece to play. So you give them the piece, they lay it. Yeah, so I love that twist in the game too where it's a bit more interactive between the two.”

“Despite my usual aversion to abstract strategy games, I don't have much to complain about with Quarto. The components are great, mechanics solid, and the game is highly accessible. You can be up and playing in minutes and it will definitely appeal to the strategic thinkers out there.”

“Quarto is extremely good. God, it's quick, too. Our set arrived last night and my daughter went from bemusement as I tried to explain the rules to absolutely flattening me in the space of ten minutes. I love the simplicity of it, but also the fiendishness.”

“It's so easy to teach but it's so meaty that you can easily play with somebody with a quick teach, so that's why it's very high on my list.”

“Quarto is a game I love introducing to new players. The game is quick and easy to explain and the choosing-which-piece-your-opponent-will-play mechanic seems novel.”

The panel of reviewers and hosts found Quarto to be a solid, high-quality gateway abstract game that offers a clever twist on classic tic-tac-toe, though they noted it requires careful tracking of multiple overlapping piece characteristics.

“Overall, I give Quarto an 8.5/10. I really like the game, and I will continue playing it. However, I will play it as a time-filler or as a game to play when I'm wanting to chat while playing, not a game that I will get together with a friend specifically to play.”

“Quarto is a great 2-player board game for anyone in the family. While the toddlers may not grasp the strategies in the game, it’s a great game for them to start learning.”

“Yes, we do. It’s easy to learn, incredibly quick to play, and looks great on a table.”

“Quarto is simple but with great depth and choosing your opponent’s piece lets you feel clever until you mess it up or they outsmart you. While it wouldn’t be my first recommendation in the genre, it’s a solid entry and fun for a few quick rounds.”

“The all wood production in the current Gigamic release is beautiful, and this is definitely a game that can remain out on the coffee table as both a decoration or conversation starter.”