Difference between revisions of "Bottleneck"
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(Added some info on how blocking and bridge ladders can lead to bottlenecks) |
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| − | The '''bottleneck''' is a | + | The '''bottleneck''' is a strategic formation in the game of Hex where one player blocks the opponent's progress by occupying key positions on the board, creating a narrow passage that is difficult for the opponent to break through. The board fragment shown below illustrates this concept, with Blue occupying the key positions in a bottleneck formation, hindering Red's ability to connect to the bottom of the board. |
| + | <hexboard size="4x7" | ||
| + | coords="none" | ||
| + | edges="bottom" | ||
| + | visible="area(d1,a4,g4,g1)" | ||
| + | contents="R e1 e2 B d2 f2 d4" | ||
| + | /> | ||
| + | This formation often leads to a [[ladder]], with Red getting ladders in both directions, as shown in the second board fragment. | ||
| + | <hexboard size="4x7" | ||
| + | coords="none" | ||
| + | edges="bottom" | ||
| + | visible="area(d1,a4,g4,g1)" | ||
| + | contents="R e1 e2 B d2 f2 d4 R 1:d3 B 2:c4 R 3:c3 B 4:b4 R 5:e3 B 6:e4 R 7:f3 B 8:f4" | ||
| + | /> | ||
| − | + | The bottleneck is often a result of a defensive maneuver, for example when a player plays a [[Blocking#The near block|near block]] followed by an [[Blocking#The adjacent block|adjacent block]]. It is also a common strategy for leaving a [[Bridge ladder]]. | |
| − | + | It's important to note that, although the bottleneck can be an effective defense strategy, it also has its own weaknesses and can be exploited by a skilled opponent. Knowing how to both create and counter bottleneck formations is an important aspect of mastering the game of Hex. | |
| + | |||
| + | == See also == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Blocking]] | ||
| + | * [[Bridge ladder]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[category:strategy]] | ||
| + | [[category:definition]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:30, 10 May 2024
The bottleneck is a strategic formation in the game of Hex where one player blocks the opponent's progress by occupying key positions on the board, creating a narrow passage that is difficult for the opponent to break through. The board fragment shown below illustrates this concept, with Blue occupying the key positions in a bottleneck formation, hindering Red's ability to connect to the bottom of the board.
This formation often leads to a ladder, with Red getting ladders in both directions, as shown in the second board fragment.
The bottleneck is often a result of a defensive maneuver, for example when a player plays a near block followed by an adjacent block. It is also a common strategy for leaving a Bridge ladder.
It's important to note that, although the bottleneck can be an effective defense strategy, it also has its own weaknesses and can be exploited by a skilled opponent. Knowing how to both create and counter bottleneck formations is an important aspect of mastering the game of Hex.
