One quiet night in 2020, a vivid dream sparked the creation of what would eventually become Stones & Rivers. This was not a simple “I hope I can make this game” sort of dream; it felt as if I had been transported into a place where the game had already existed for centuries. In that dream, it was an established classic, refined through generations of players, its strategies honed through countless matches. I could see groups gathered around it, deeply engaged, the rules so ingrained in their minds that the moves flowed naturally. My opponent, slightly annoyed that I did not know the rules, took the time to explain the core of the game to me. It was a contest of creating movement pathways, chaining actions together to reach a goal. Even while dreaming, I could feel the satisfaction of orchestrating a perfect series of moves.
When I woke, the feeling stayed with me. The concept was clear: the game had to capture that timeless quality, the sort of presence that made it feel at home next to Chess, Go, or Checkers on a coffee table. The movement would be positional, logical, and deeply tied to the theme. Most importantly, the rules would be intuitive, letting the flow of the game emerge naturally from the interaction between board, pieces, and players. Those early thoughts became the design pillars that would guide every subsequent decision.
Learning from the Classics
From the start, I turned to the master games that had endured across decades and centuries. I examined more than forty abstract strategy games, studying not only their successful versions but also their less popular variations. Chess was an obvious influence, but so were other classics like Go, Shogi, Nine Men’s Morris, and Checkers. The lessons from these games were not about copying their mechanics, but about understanding why they worked so well and how they balanced simplicity with depth.
One of the most consistent lessons was that the board itself guides movement. In Nine Men’s Morris, lines and points suggest possible moves. In Chess, the grid defines piece movement and positioning. The board does not simply hold the pieces — it communicates the possibilities to the player. Stones & Rivers needed this same clarity. Special starting and scoring zones were marked, and pieces would be placed at intersections rather than inside squares. This subtle choice immediately signaled that movement happened in four cardinal directions, not diagonally, and helped players visualize their options.
Another lesson was that the rules must feel like a natural extension of the pieces. In Shogi, captured pieces can switch sides because they are physically identical apart from facing direction, making the mechanic feel natural. For Stones & Rivers, each piece had two sides — stone and river — and each interacted with movement differently. Stones could block, limiting mobility, while rivers could extend movement in specific directions. The rules followed the logic of the pieces, allowing players to grasp the possibilities without constant reference to a rulebook.
Finally, I learned that the deepest strategies emerge from simple rules. In Chess, the basic rules of movement lead to complex tactics like forks, pins, and discovered attacks. The goal for Stones & Rivers was similar — a compact ruleset that could still produce rich, unexpected situations through player creativity. During testing, the guiding principle was to answer “yes” whenever a rule interaction was questioned, refining exceptions until the logic became consistent and intuitive.
Early Prototypes and Challenges
The heart of Stones & Rivers was always movement — flowing across the board through chains of connected pieces. My prototypes experimented with a simple draw-and-place mechanic, where players added pieces from a pool onto the board rather than moving existing ones. It seemed promising at first, but it quickly became clear that this approach lacked tension. Players could bypass strategic planning by placing pieces directly where they needed them, removing the satisfaction of building a route.
The turning point came with the realization that the pieces themselves could be dual-sided, representing stones and rivers. Stones would be slow-moving and obstructive, while rivers allowed extended movement along their indicated paths. Early versions made rivers unidirectional, but this limited the possibilities. Changing them to bidirectional not only expanded movement options but also introduced an intriguing tactical layer: a river you place for your benefit might just as easily help your opponent.
As these ideas solidified, I faced another problem — turtling. Players could cluster defensively near their starting areas, making it difficult for either side to score. Expanding the board helped somewhat by creating more room for maneuvering, but it also risked making the board feel too empty. Adding more pieces only reintroduced earlier balance problems.
The breakthrough came when a playtester asked, “Why can’t the pieces push?” This single suggestion opened a floodgate of possibilities. Stones could push other pieces one space, while rivers could push them across greater distances, mimicking their movement patterns. Suddenly, the game had a dynamic, almost kinetic energy. Players could disrupt each other’s plans, create chain reactions, and manipulate the board in ways that kept the action flowing.
Why Keep It Thematic but Abstract
In the earliest design notes, I jotted down possible themes: spaceships racing through wormholes, magical portals linking distant lands, even whimsical ideas like cats darting through a maze. But the more I considered it, the more I realized that the game’s identity was rooted in the same tradition as Chess or Go — games with light, almost symbolic themes that serve as a backdrop rather than the focus.
Keeping Stones & Rivers abstract allowed it to be universally accessible. The game is essentially a race to place stones in the opponent’s scoring area while controlling the flow of rivers to aid your movement. This light framing reinforces the movement mechanics without alienating players who might not connect with a heavily themed presentation. The absence of an elaborate story kept the focus on pure strategy and timeless appeal.
The Path to Completion
From that first dream in 2020 to the present day, the development of Stones & Rivers has been a process of balancing elegance with engagement. Every design decision was weighed against the guiding principles established at the start: the game should feel like it has always existed, its movement mechanics should be intuitive, and its strategies should emerge naturally from simple rules.
The first print run in 2024 marked a major milestone, debuting the game to players at a major convention. Feedback from that release shaped the next phase, with plans for a crowdfunding campaign to improve the components, introduce a notation system for recording games, and possibly upgrade from wooden pieces to real stone — a fitting touch for a game that has always carried the weight of its name in both mechanics and identity.
In its current form, Stones & Rivers stands as both a tribute to the classics that inspired it and a new chapter in the tradition of abstract strategy games. It was born from a dream, shaped by centuries-old lessons, refined through relentless testing, and carried forward by the players who see in it the same spark that first appeared to me in 2020. For me, the journey from dream to table has been as rewarding as the game itself, and I hope it carries that sense of timeless challenge and quiet elegance to everyone who plays it.
Building on a Solid Foundation
With the core mechanics and design pillars established, the next stage of Stones & Rivers focused on refinement. The game already had its dual-sided pieces, its intersection-based board, and its intuitive movement patterns. The foundation was strong, but subtle details would determine whether it would feel like a modern classic or just another abstract game lost in the shuffle. This phase was about eliminating friction, ensuring smooth play, and finding the balance between depth and accessibility.
Refinement began with component design. While early prototypes were made of cardboard, they served their purpose in testing movement and layout. However, pieces needed to feel satisfying in the hand, giving weight to each decision on the board. The tactile element was vital because in games where strategy is slow and deliberate, the physical connection to the pieces deepens the experience. Wooden prototypes followed, and discussions began about using actual stone for later editions. This was not only thematically fitting but also enhanced the game’s sense of permanence, the way a centuries-old classic feels when you touch its well-worn pieces.
Another part of refinement involved streamlining the setup and turn structure. In early iterations, games could start sluggishly, with players hesitating in the opening turns. Small adjustments to starting positions and score areas created a more dynamic first few moves, drawing players into engagement sooner without compromising the long-term strategy.
The Push Mechanic in Full
Introducing the push mechanic had been a turning point, but it required careful balancing to ensure it was powerful without being overwhelming. Stones could push a single piece one space, while rivers could push in extended lines, sometimes moving multiple pieces in a chain. This created thrilling moments where a single move could shift the balance of the game, but it also carried risks — a poorly considered push could hand the advantage to an opponent.
Testing revealed that players approached pushing differently depending on their style. Aggressive players used it to break defensive formations and open scoring paths, while more cautious players used it sparingly, preserving the structure of the board. This variation in playstyles proved that the push mechanic had the flexibility needed for a deep strategy game.
One refinement that emerged from testing was the interaction between pushes and movement chains. In some cases, players could move onto a river, push a piece onto another river, and create a cascading sequence of movement and disruption. The rules needed to clearly define how these interactions resolved while maintaining the intuitive logic that had guided development from the start. Each update aimed to preserve the fluidity of gameplay, making sure that even the most complex sequences could be understood at a glance.
Preventing Stalemates
Turtling had been an early concern, and while pushing helped, more safeguards were needed to prevent games from stalling. One approach was to adjust the scoring system so that progress toward the win condition was gradual and constant rather than dependent on a single decisive move. Instead of only scoring by reaching the opponent’s side, partial scoring conditions were introduced for occupying key positions. This meant that even a defensive player had to engage with the board to prevent their opponent from gaining incremental points.
Another solution involved creating movement incentives that discouraged sitting back. Rivers were placed in ways that encouraged risk-taking, rewarding players who ventured into contested areas of the board. The layout of the starting and scoring zones was fine-tuned so that both offensive and defensive maneuvers had value, making it harder for one style of play to dominate.
Balancing Accessibility and Depth
One of the greatest challenges in designing an abstract strategy game is ensuring that it is accessible to new players while offering depth for veterans. Stones & Rivers needed to be easy to learn in minutes but still engaging after dozens of plays. Achieving this balance required attention to the way rules were written, the visual clarity of the board, and the intuitive relationship between components and mechanics.
A key part of this was reducing exceptions to the rules. Wherever possible, interactions were made consistent across situations. If a piece could move a certain way in one circumstance, it would behave similarly in another, avoiding the need for players to memorize obscure clauses. This consistency encouraged creative problem-solving, as players could confidently experiment with combinations without worrying about hidden restrictions.
Visual clarity played a major role as well. The markings on the board needed to convey movement possibilities without cluttering the design. Subtle but distinct indicators for rivers, stones, starting zones, and scoring areas allowed players to read the state of the game quickly. Early prototypes had more decorative elements, but these were pared down to avoid distraction. The final design emphasized function over flair, giving players a clean, readable field of play.
Playtesting and Iteration
Playtesting was not a single stage of development but an ongoing process. Every adjustment to rules or components required fresh feedback to ensure the change improved the experience. Test groups varied in experience level, from seasoned abstract gamers to people encountering the genre for the first time. This diversity was crucial in revealing how different audiences approached the game.
Experienced players tended to exploit movement chains and positional advantages quickly, pressing for efficient scoring routes. New players often focused on blocking and direct piece interactions, sometimes underestimating the potential of rivers. Observing these tendencies informed the final balance, making sure neither approach was overly dominant.
Repeated testing also revealed subtle dynamics that were not immediately obvious. For example, the bidirectional nature of rivers made them both a tool and a liability. A river placed to aid your movement could just as easily give your opponent a shortcut. This tension added a layer of risk assessment to every placement, enriching the decision-making process.
Preparing for the Public
Once the game had reached a mature state, attention turned to presentation. The first public showing at a major convention was both a milestone and a learning opportunity. Players responded positively to the tactile nature of the pieces, the simplicity of the rules, and the depth that emerged from play. However, feedback highlighted areas for improvement in component quality and rulebook clarity.
The upcoming crowdfunding campaign aimed to address these points directly. Plans included upgrading the board’s durability, improving storage solutions, and enhancing the feel of the pieces. The possibility of using real stone pieces became a central talking point, reinforcing the game’s theme and providing a premium version for dedicated fans. The notation system was another addition, giving competitive players a way to record and study games, much like chess notation.
Looking Ahead
As Stones & Rivers prepared for its next stage, the goal remained the same as when it began — to create a game that felt timeless. The refinement process had taken years, but each iteration had brought it closer to that vision. The combination of intuitive rules, strategic depth, and elegant presentation positioned it to stand alongside the classics that had inspired it.
The journey from a fleeting dream to a polished, tangible game had been long and demanding, but the result was a design that stayed true to its roots. Stones & Rivers was no longer just a personal project — it was ready to be shared with a wider audience, inviting players to explore its pathways, test their strategies, and discover the quiet satisfaction of mastering its flow.
Strategic Layers That Emerge Over Time
By the time Stones & Rivers had taken its refined form, it was clear that the game’s greatest strength lay not just in its mechanics, but in the layers of strategy that unfolded the more it was played. The initial impression was one of simplicity — a clean board, dual-sided pieces, and straightforward movement. Yet beneath that simplicity lay a web of tactical opportunities that even experienced players needed time to fully explore.
At the heart of this complexity was the interplay between stones and rivers. Stones created barriers and influenced positioning, while rivers opened paths and accelerated movement. Players quickly discovered that the true skill came from balancing the two, creating configurations that both advanced their plans and disrupted their opponent’s. The double-sided nature of each piece meant that even a single move could change the board’s landscape dramatically, turning an obstacle into an advantage or vice versa.
The push mechanic added further layers of depth. A well-timed push could open scoring opportunities, dismantle defensive formations, or even trap an opponent’s key piece in an unfavorable position. Yet every push carried a risk — it could also rearrange the board in ways that inadvertently helped the other side. This constant evaluation of risk and reward created an evolving battlefield where no position was entirely secure.
The Art of Movement Chains
Movement chains became a defining feature of advanced play. By carefully positioning rivers and stones, players could create sequences that propelled their pieces across the board in a single turn. In skilled hands, these chains could bypass defenses entirely, scoring points before the opponent had time to react.
However, mastering these chains required more than just seeing the immediate move. Successful players learned to think several turns ahead, placing pieces in seemingly harmless positions that would later form part of a decisive chain. The challenge was in building these sequences without telegraphing them too clearly, as a watchful opponent could dismantle them before they were completed.
The beauty of these chains was their flexibility. Sometimes they were built deliberately over many turns; other times, they emerged unexpectedly from the current board state, rewarding players who could adapt quickly. This blend of planning and improvisation kept each match fresh and unpredictable.
Adapting to Opponent Styles
One of the most fascinating aspects of Stones & Rivers was how differently players approached it. Some preferred aggressive, fast-paced strategies, using rivers to launch quick scoring runs. Others favored a slower, positional approach, building a network of stones to restrict movement and force the game into a battle of attrition.
Success depended on the ability to read an opponent’s style and adapt accordingly. Against an aggressive player, a defensive approach could be effective, using well-placed stones to slow them down. Against a cautious player, quick, decisive movements could break through their defenses before they were fully established.
Over time, players developed hybrid styles, switching between aggression and defense as the situation demanded. This adaptability was often the hallmark of the most skilled competitors, allowing them to thrive regardless of the matchup.
The Role of Board Control
In Stones & Rivers, control of key areas on the board was often as important as scoring. Certain intersections acted as chokepoints, where control could either open up vast movement options or cut them off entirely. Securing these positions early could give a player a significant advantage, but holding them was rarely easy.
Board control extended beyond specific intersections to the overall flow of movement. By shaping the placement of rivers, a player could influence not just their movement, but also the routes available to their opponent. Sometimes, this meant placing a river that was useful now but would become a liability later, forcing careful consideration before each placement.
The tension between short-term gains and long-term positioning was a constant presence. A move that secured immediate points might weaken control in the following turns, while a defensive placement could prevent an opponent’s scoring opportunity at the cost of your momentum.
Endgame Dynamics
As a match progressed, the board often became more crowded, and the pace of play shifted. Early in the game, movement was fluid, with plenty of open paths. In the midgame, the balance between offense and defense became critical, with each move shaping the board’s long-term structure.
By the endgame, the focus often narrowed to a few key pieces and strategic zones. Pushes became more impactful, as even small shifts in position could create or close off scoring routes. Players needed to manage their remaining resources carefully, ensuring that they still could respond to sudden threats.
The best endgame play often came from those who had been thinking ahead from the very start. Early moves that seemed minor could have ripple effects that decided the outcome, rewarding foresight and patience.
Competitive Play and Community Growth
With the release of Stones & Rivers, a dedicated community began to form. Players shared strategies, analyzed games, and discussed possible openings, much like in other established strategy games. The notation system introduced in the later stages of development made it possible to record and review matches, fostering deeper strategic discussions.
Local tournaments provided a proving ground for new tactics. Competitive play highlighted the game’s balance, showing that no single strategy could dominate indefinitely. This balance was a testament to the years of careful design and testing, as it allowed for a wide range of viable approaches.
Online play also expanded the community, connecting players from different regions and backgrounds. This diversity enriched the meta-game, as strategies that were common in one area often clashed with entirely different approaches from another.
Future Possibilities
As Stones & Rivers continued to gain traction, thoughts naturally turned to the future. Expansions were a possibility, though any addition would need to respect the game’s minimalist philosophy. One idea under consideration was alternative boards with different layouts, introducing new movement patterns while keeping the core mechanics intact. Another was adding unique piece types with special abilities, though this risked complicating the simplicity that made the game so approachable.
There was also potential in organized play, with ranking systems and seasonal tournaments helping to maintain engagement over time. The notation system could play a central role in this, allowing top-level games to be studied and discussed much like famous matches in other abstract games.
In addition, educational applications were explored. The game’s emphasis on planning, spatial reasoning, and adaptability made it an excellent tool for teaching strategic thinking. Schools and clubs began to express interest in using it for both recreation and skill development.
The Enduring Appeal
At its core, the appeal of Stones & Rivers lies in its timeless qualities. It was a game that could be explained in minutes but explored for years, a contest where every decision mattered and where victory came from both skill and adaptability. The dual nature of the pieces, the elegance of the push mechanic, and the depth of movement chains combined to create something unique yet familiar, modern yet rooted in tradition.
For the designer, the journey from a single dream to a fully realized game had been long, filled with experimentation, setbacks, and breakthroughs. But the result was a game that felt like it had always been there, waiting to be discovered. Players could sit down with it for a quick match or spend hours studying its intricacies, and in either case, they would find something satisfying.
The story of Stones & Rivers was not just about the creation of a game, but about the process of refining an idea until it reached its purest form. It was about listening to players, learning from each test, and staying true to the original vision while embracing the evolution that came through play. As it moved forward into its next chapter, it carried with it the essence of that first dream — a game of pathways, movement, and timeless challenge.
The Transition from Creation to Legacy
By the time the design of Stones & Rivers had reached its most polished stage, the focus began to shift from development to legacy. Creating a game is one journey, but ensuring it endures in the hands of players for years to come is an entirely different challenge. The goal was no longer just to make a game that played well, but to create something that would inspire communities, foster traditions, and perhaps even stand as a benchmark in the world of abstract strategy.
The foundation was already in place. The mechanics had proven themselves through rigorous playtesting, the push system had brought unique dynamism, and the balance between stones and rivers provided strategic depth without overwhelming newcomers. What remained was to ensure that this design could thrive beyond its initial release, living on as more than a momentary trend.
Part of this process involved making the game accessible to new audiences while preserving its integrity for experienced players. This meant producing editions that were affordable for casual players alongside premium sets that appealed to collectors. The idea was to present Stones & Rivers not as a disposable novelty but as a lasting fixture — the sort of game that sits on a shelf for decades and is passed from one generation to the next.
Cultivating a Culture Around Play
If the mechanics were the beating heart of Stones & Rivers, the culture surrounding it would be its lifeblood. A great game is elevated by the people who play it, teach it, and share it. Fostering that culture required a focus on community building from the start.
Local groups formed naturally, with players meeting regularly in cafes, libraries, and game clubs. These gatherings became spaces for experimentation, where strategies evolved and new players learned the nuances from more experienced ones. Tournament play added another layer, giving competitive players a structured environment in which to test their skills while offering newcomers the excitement of observing high-level matches.
The inclusion of a notation system proved invaluable here. Much like in other established games, being able to record and review matches allowed the community to grow more sophisticated. Players could study their games, learn from the strategies of others, and preserve memorable plays for the future. Over time, a library of recorded matches emerged, forming a living history of the game’s development in the hands of its players.
The Balance Between Tradition and Innovation
As with any abstract game, the challenge for the future lies in balancing tradition and innovation. On one hand, the core rules and mechanics of Stones & Rivers had to remain stable to maintain its identity and ensure a consistent experience across time. On the other hand, introducing new ideas and variations could keep the game fresh and appealing for long-term players.
Potential innovations were approached with care. Alternate boards with varied layouts were explored as a way to change movement dynamics without altering the fundamental rules. Experimental piece types were tested, but only those that maintained the elegance and clarity of the original game were seriously considered. The guiding principle was that any addition must enhance rather than dilute the experience.
Digital adaptations also became a consideration. Online play could allow players from around the world to connect, bringing the game to a global audience while preserving its core feel. A well-designed digital platform could include features such as game analysis tools, tutorials, and match archives, helping to bridge the gap between casual and competitive play.
Educational and Developmental Potential
Beyond entertainment, Stones & Rivers demonstrated significant potential as an educational tool. The game naturally encouraged skills such as spatial reasoning, planning, adaptability, and strategic foresight. These qualities made it an appealing choice for schools, clubs, and even corporate training programs focused on problem-solving and decision-making.
Workshops and teaching sessions were developed, offering structured ways to introduce the game to new players of all ages. In schools, it could be integrated into enrichment programs, while in community centers, it became a social activity that brought together people from different backgrounds. The simplicity of its setup made it easy to teach, but its depth ensured that students could continue developing their skills over time.
Such applications expanded the reach of the game beyond traditional hobby spaces. By positioning Stones & Rivers as both a recreational and educational activity, its relevance and longevity were further strengthened.
The Role of Storytelling in Longevity
While Stones & Rivers had been designed as an abstract game with minimal thematic framing, the story of its creation became part of its identity. The origin in a dream, the years of refinement, the breakthrough moments in playtesting — these were narratives that resonated with players. They transformed the game from a set of mechanics into a piece of living history.
Sharing these stories helped to deepen players’ connection to the game. It reminded them that behind every polished rulebook and every elegant board lay years of thought, trial, and passion. Over time, players began creating their own stories through their games, whether it was a hard-fought tournament match or a casual evening win that came from a perfectly timed push.
Passing the Game Forward
The ultimate goal for Stones & Rivers was to reach the point where it could be passed forward without the direct involvement of its creator. A true classic survives because people love playing it, not because it is being actively marketed. Achieving this meant ensuring the game was easy to learn, rewarding to master, and widely available in both physical and digital forms.
Printed guides, online tutorials, and community-led teaching sessions all contributed to this process. The more players who could confidently introduce the game to others, the greater its chances of becoming self-sustaining. This was not about chasing rapid growth, but about building a steady, loyal base that would keep the game alive for decades.
Conclusion
The journey of Stones & Rivers began with a single dream in 2020 — a vision of a game that felt as though it had existed for generations, refined by countless players over time. From that moment, every design decision was guided by the goal of creating something both elegant and enduring. The movement-based mechanics, the balance between stones and rivers, the introduction of the push system, and the consistent logic of the rules all contributed to a game that could stand confidently among the classics that inspired it.
Through years of playtesting, refinement, and community building, Stones & Rivers grew beyond its original concept. It became a space for creativity, competition, and connection. Players discovered strategies, developed personal styles, and built friendships through shared play. The game’s adaptability allowed it to flourish in both casual and competitive settings, while its abstract nature ensured universal accessibility.
Looking forward, the future of Stones & Rivers lies in the hands of those who play it. Whether it is on a coffee table at home, in a classroom, in a tournament hall, or across a digital platform, each match contributes to its ongoing legacy. As long as players continue to set stones, direct rivers, and challenge one another’s strategies, the game will live on — not just as a pastime, but as a shared tradition born from one vivid night’s dream and carried forward by countless minds and hands.
It is rare for a game to begin as a personal vision and grow into something that belongs to a community. Stones & Rivers has taken that path, and its journey is far from over. The dream that started it now belongs to everyone who plays, teaches, and passes it along. And in that shared ownership lies the true measure of a classic — a game that, once discovered, feels like it has always been there, waiting for the next move.