Herkle

Sympkyn of the Moor

Number of players: 2-4 Type of game: Boardgame
Period: Period-esq (2006)

Herkle is an adaption of Qwirkle, a modern abstract strategy game for 2 to 4 players, involving matching tiles by colour and shape in a grid. Created by Susan McKinley Ross and published in 2006, the game has won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in 2011. It is easy to learn and well-suited for families, combining elements of dominoes, Scrabble, and set collection.

The only change from the original game is the colours and symbols on the tiles. This was done to make them into heraldic tiles and therefore more period appropriate.

History of Qwirkle

  • Designer: Susan McKinley Ross

  • First Published: 2006, by MindWare

  • Awards:

    • Spiel des Jahres (2011)

    • Mensa Select (2007)

  • Popularity: Praised for its simplicity and accessibility; a staple in family and casual gaming circles.

Equipment

  • Tiles: 108 square tiles in total

    • Six different heraldic ordinaries: fess, pale, bend, cross, saltire, and chevron.

    • Six different colours: red, white, yellow, green, blue, and black.

    • Each unique combination of shape and colour appears three times.

  • Bag: Used to randomise and draw tiles.

  • Score Pad (optional): For tracking player scores.

  • Players: 2 to 4 (more with house variants).

Objective

Score the most points by creating lines of tiles that match either by shape or by colour—never both.

Basic Rules

Setup

  • Mix all 108 tiles in a bag.

  • Each player draws 6 tiles to form their hand.

  • The player with the most tiles of a single shape or colour starts the game.

Gameplay

On your turn, you may:

  1. Place tiles from your hand to the grid:

    • All tiles must share a common shape or colour.

    • No duplicates of the same shape-colour combo may appear in a single line.

    • Tiles must be placed in one straight line per turn.

    • You may build off any existing tiles.

  2. Score points for every tile in the lines you create or extend.

    • 1 point per tile in each line.

    • A Qwirkle (6 tiles in a full line) scores 12 points: 6 points for the tiles + 6 bonus.

  3. Draw back up to 6 tiles from the bag.

Additional Rules

  • You may trade in any number of tiles on your turn instead of playing. Draw the same number from the bag and skip placing tiles that turn.

  • The game ends when the last tile is played and one player empties their hand.

  • Bonus: The player who finishes first gains 6 extra points.

Winning the Game

  • After the final round, the player with the highest total score wins.

Optional and Variant Rules

1. Team Play

  • In 4-player mode, play in 2 teams of 2; team members sit opposite and share a cumulative score.

2. Time Limits

  • Add sand timers or digital clocks for faster play.

3. House Rule: Bonus Combos

  • Some groups allow scoring bonuses for special combos (e.g., intersecting Qwirkles).

Summary Table

Rule Aspect Details
Players 2 to 4 (expandable with house rules)
Tiles 108 total; 6 colours × 6 shapes × 3 each
Gameplay Style Tile-laying, pattern-building
Objective Score points by building rows of matching tiles
Scoring 1 point per tile in line, 12 for a Qwirkle
Special Win Bonus 6 points for finishing all tiles first