Trap the Mouse

Table of Contents

Objective

The objective of the game Trap the Mouse is to strategically place blocks on a grid in order to trap the mouse and prevent it from escaping.

The trapper starts the game.
On each turn, the trapper can place one block on an empty square of the grid.
The mouse moves after the trapper’s turn. It can move horizontally or vertically to an adjacent empty square.
The trapper and mouse take turns until one of the following conditions is met:
- Mouse is trapped: The trapper successfully surrounds the mouse on all four sides, making it impossible for the mouse to move to an adjacent square.
- Mouse escapes: The mouse reaches one of the four edges of the grid and there is an open path for it to escape.
If the mouse is trapped, the trapper wins. If the mouse escapes, the mouse wins.

The trapper should try to create a barrier around the mouse, limiting its movement options.
The mouse should aim to find paths that are difficult for the trapper to block.
Both players should anticipate each other’s moves and think several steps ahead.
Experiment with different strategies and adapt to the changing board conditions.

Multiple mice: Play with multiple mouse tokens, and the trapper must trap all of them.
Time limit: Set a time limit for each player’s turn to add a sense of urgency to the game.
Obstacles: Introduce additional obstacles or special blocks that can impact movement or create new strategic possibilities.