Logan Stones Board Game – Strategic Rock Paper Scissors with Memory Challenge

Rock Paper Scissors Meets Strategic Thinking

Logan Stones is an innovative two-player abstract strategy game that transforms the simple childhood game of Rock Paper Scissors into a sophisticated tactical challenge. Created by John Yianni, the award-winning designer of Hive, Logan Stones combines memory, pattern recognition, and strategic planning into a fast-paced game where both players control the same stones—and those stones constantly flip to reveal new symbols. The result is a unique gaming experience that’s simple to learn but offers surprising strategic depth.

Number of Players: 2 players
Recommended Age: 7 years and up
Average Game Time: 10 minutes
Game Type: Abstract strategy, memory, pattern building
Board Required: No board needed – plays on any flat surface
Awards: Mensa Select Honored for Excellence

What Makes Logan Stones Unique?

Unlike traditional board games where each player controls their own pieces, Logan Stones features a shared “island” of stones that both players manipulate. Each of the 18 hexagonal stones is double-sided, with Rock, Paper, or Scissors symbols etched and hand-painted on both faces. When you place a stone next to others, the Rock Paper Scissors hierarchy comes into play—Rock blunts Scissors, Scissors cuts Paper, Paper covers Rock—causing lesser-valued adjacent stones to flip over and reveal their opposite faces.

This constant flipping creates a dynamic, ever-changing board state where memory becomes crucial. Can you remember what’s on the hidden side of each stone? Your opponent is trying to make four-in-a-row of matching symbols—but so are you, using the same stones. It’s a fascinating battle of memory, anticipation, and tactical positioning.

How to Play Logan Stones

Setup:

1. Place all 18 stones in the included drawstring bag and mix thoroughly
2. Each player randomly draws 8 stones from the bag, placing them face-up on the table where both players can see the symbols
3. Take the remaining 2 stones from the bag and place them touching in the center of the playing area—these form the starting “island”

Gameplay: Players alternate turns, with each turn consisting of either:

• Adding a stone: Take one stone from your hand and add it to the island, making sure it touches at least two other stones already in play
• Moving or flipping a stone: (After all stones are placed) Move an existing stone to a new position or flip it to reveal the opposite symbol

The Flipping Rule (Key Mechanic): When you add or move a stone, if its symbol is of greater value than adjacent stones (based on Rock Paper Scissors rules), all lesser-valued stones touching it immediately flip over to reveal their opposite faces. However, the stone you just added or moved never flips, even if it’s next to higher-value stones.

Winning the Game: The first player to create a row of four or more matching symbols (Rock, Paper, or Scissors) on their turn wins immediately. The critical twist: neither player “owns” the stones on the island—if you create three matching symbols in a row and your opponent adds the fourth, they win!

Strategic Elements

Memory Challenge: Track which symbols are on the hidden sides of stones. This memory advantage becomes crucial as the game progresses.

Value Hierarchy: Understand the Rock Paper Scissors relationships:

• Rock blunts Scissors (Rock is stronger)
• Scissors cuts Paper (Scissors is stronger)
• Paper covers Rock (Paper is stronger)

Tactical Positioning: Place stones strategically to create potential winning rows while preventing your opponent from completing theirs.

Cascading Flips: A single stone placement can trigger multiple flips, dramatically changing the board state.

Defensive Play: Sometimes the best move is blocking your opponent’s potential four-in-a-row rather than building your own.

Tempo Control: Decide when to add stones from your hand versus moving existing stones on the island.

Why Choose Logan Stones?

From the Creator of Hive: John Yianni’s reputation for elegant abstract strategy games ensures quality design and gameplay depth.

Quick Gameplay: 10-minute games make this perfect for quick matches, best-of-three tournaments, or filling time between longer games.

No Board Required: Play anywhere—on a table, on the floor, outdoors, or while traveling. The stones create their own playing surface.

Portable Design: Comes with a soft drawstring travel bag. Take it camping, to coffee shops, or on vacation.

Memory Training: Actively develops memory skills, concentration, and cognitive abilities while having fun.

Universal Appeal: The familiar Rock Paper Scissors mechanics make rules explanation instant, while strategic depth keeps experienced gamers engaged.

Accessible Yet Deep: A 7-year-old can learn it in minutes, but adults will find surprising strategic complexity.

High-Quality Components: Premium Bakelite stones with embossed, hand-painted symbols feel substantial and tactile.

Award Recognition: Honored by Mensa Select for excellence, confirming its strategic merit.

What’s in the Box

18 Premium Hexagonal Bakelite Stones:

• Each stone etched and hand-painted on BOTH sides
• 6 stones with Rock symbols (various combinations of Rock on each side)
• 6 stones with Paper symbols (various combinations of Paper on each side)
• 6 stones with Scissors symbols (various combinations of Scissors on each side)
• Each stone measures approximately 30mm across
• Thick, solid, heavy, and highly durable plastic (Bakelite)
• Stones are designed to rock slightly for easy flipping without disrupting adjacent pieces

Also Includes:

• Soft drawstring travel cloth bag for portability and storage
• Illustrated rules leaflet with clear gameplay examples
• Pre-formed storage tray in rigid box for organized component storage

The stones have a satisfying weight and tactile quality, with raised symbols that are easy to identify by touch. The hand-painted details give each stone visual appeal, while the Bakelite construction ensures durability for years of gameplay.

Who Will Love Logan Stones?

This abstract strategy game is perfect for fans of quick tactical games, memory game enthusiasts, Rock Paper Scissors fans seeking more depth, travelers wanting portable entertainment, families with children 7+, abstract strategy game collectors, Hive players interested in the designer’s other work, coffee shop gamers, and anyone who enjoys games that challenge both memory and strategic thinking. If you appreciate elegant game design that combines simple rules with complex emergent gameplay, Logan Stones delivers.

Official North American Distributor – Authentic Gen42 Games Product