And so, the famous Boarder opening. One thing for sure, before we even touch upon how to respond to opening plays, we will approach the Boarder game, a play that's sure to throw off the beginner, big time, and gives a 'call to arms' to more experienced play and a dare to all of those in between. It's the initial placing that'll scare the bejesus out of most newbies, that's if they ain't bluffing and feigning a weakness which ain't actually there. We will talk about 'faking it' in a further post.
So what exactly is the Boarder game? The true Boarder game opening gambit is placing both of your initial stones along the edges of the board. Yet, as with each opening in Shout Seven, there are variations, and all are equal, though some are more equal than others, the knowledge of which only comes with experience but to find the sweet spot you'll need the knowledge of nuances that comes with experience.
Ok, you have made your opening play, your opponent's made theirs; you can only push them away whilst they can shove you into the pits and out if play. But think on this: will they dare when, in return you could push them back to lay your two unmovable stones? If's, what's and maybes, is it too early to tell? That could drive you nuts, attempting to second guess your challenger! Don't get ahead of yourself, you must assess the situation after each turn.
The Boarder game, like any other has its faults and failings yet also it's strengths. You really do must keep playing and trying new ideas to find your style, to then change it if you want to "Rise to Royalty".
As before it's best to approach the Boarder game with the same attitude as the Middle game, it's positives and it's negatives, but it does make Shout Seven stand out and those new to the game will certainly be challenged, to put it politely, yet there is something strangely satisfying in a Boarder win, like a checkmark in fools chess. It's difficult, don't get me wrong, it is. It's an easy win though as you establish your intention, the opponents contesting the victory, be they experienced, a novice, or anything in-between will eventually see what you're up to, but can they do anything about it? Not a lot if you've done it right, even if easier said than done.
And so onto the third opening, the Hinter Game, a mix of the two, the best to respond to, the worst to lose to, though with a determined personality all it's own. It keeps your schemes close to your chest.
