Tatsu Board Game – Backgammon-Style Dragon Strategy | Award-Winning Game from Hive Creator

Epic Dragon Battles Meet Strategic Gameplay

Tatsu is an award-winning two-player strategy game that combines the excitement of backgammon-style dice rolling with tactical dragon battles and push-your-luck decision-making. Created by John Yianni, the acclaimed designer of Hive, Tatsu transports players to the legendary peaks of Mount Hotaka where two mighty Dragon Lord armies clash in eternal combat. With its beautifully illustrated board, tactile Bakelite dragon stones, and fast-paced gameplay, Tatsu delivers memorable gaming moments that keep players returning for more.

Number of Players: 2 players
Recommended Age: 8 years and up
Average Game Time: 30-45 minutes
Game Type: Dice rolling, strategy, take-that mechanics
Designer: John Yianni (creator of Hive)
Awards: UKGE Family Zone Player’s Award (Gold), Best Family Game (Silver), National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

The Legend of Tatsu

Japanese legend tells of a great battle between two mighty Dragon Lord armies, locked in combat on the peaks of Mount Hotaka, competing to win the hand of Princess Kushinada, the last and most beautiful of eight sisters. The battle was so ferocious that villagers, fearing for their lives, acquired the help of a powerful Wizard who cast a spell to keep the Dragon Lords imprisoned in a circle of combat—to be freed only when the battle ends. Their struggle continues to this very day, and now you command one of these dragon armies.

What Makes Tatsu Unique?

Tatsu masterfully blends familiar backgammon-style movement with innovative dragon powers and strategic depth. Each player commands an army of nine dragon stones in three powerful types: Vine Dragons that entangle opponents, Water Dragons that wash enemies back to their tray, and Fire Dragons that permanently destroy rivals. The combination of dice-driven movement and special dragon abilities creates dynamic, fast-paced gameplay where no two games play the same.

The game features premium Bakelite dragon stones—the same satisfyingly heavy material used in Hive—that feel substantial and durable in hand. The beautifully illustrated game board depicts the circular arena of combat with vibrant dragon artwork and clear visual cues for gameplay. Unlike abstract strategy games that take hours to master, Tatsu is easy to learn but offers surprising tactical depth that appeals to both casual families and serious gamers.

How to Play Tatsu

Setup:

1. Place the game board between players with a mat in front of each player
2. Each player takes their color (black or white) dragon stones
3. Place 3 Vine Dragons (green) on your three starting positions in the inner arena
4. Place remaining stones (1 Vine, 3 Water, 2 Fire) in your tray on the left side

Gameplay: On your turn, roll two dice and move your dragon stones around the circular arena. Black moves clockwise, white moves counterclockwise. You may:

• Move one stone using both dice values sequentially
• Move two stones using one die value for each stone

Stones move around the inner ring of the arena. When a space already has a stone on the inner ring, your stone moves to the outer ring of that segment. You cannot end movement on a segment with two stones already present.

Recruiting Dragons: Land on colored corners (green, blue, or orange) to recruit matching dragon types from your tray to your mat. On future turns, roll 1, 2, or 3 to release recruited dragons onto the corresponding starting positions.

Dragon Powers – The Take-That Mechanic:

When your dragon lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s dragon, different powers activate:

Vine Dragons (Green – 4 total):

• Power: Entangle/Hold
• Effect: The opponent’s dragon becomes trapped and cannot move until the Vine Dragon moves away or is released
• Strategy: Use for positional control and blocking key routes

Water Dragons (Blue – 3 total):

• Power: Expel/Wash Away
• Effect: Send the opponent’s dragon back to their tray, forcing them to recruit and release it again
• Strategy: Delays opponent progress and disrupts their board position

Fire Dragons (Orange/Red – 2 total):

• Power: Destroy
• Effect: Permanently remove the opponent’s dragon from the game
• Strategy: The most powerful attack—use strategically to eliminate threats

Winning the Game:

Victory is achieved in two ways:

1. Destroy all of one dragon type – Eliminate all 4 Vine Dragons, all 3 Water Dragons, OR both Fire Dragons
2. Expel all dragons – Use Water Dragons to wash away all opponent pieces so none remain in the arena

Strategic Elements

Dice Management: Decide whether to move one stone far or two stones shorter distances based on board position.

Dragon Type Balance: Protect your vulnerable Fire Dragons (only 2!) while using them strategically for devastating attacks.

Recruitment Timing: Knowing when to recruit new dragons versus moving existing ones creates tactical decisions.

Positional Play: Block your opponent’s paths while creating safe routes for your own dragons.

Push Your Luck: Sometimes taking risks to land on recruitment spaces pays off—sometimes it leaves you vulnerable.

Target Selection: Focus on one dragon type to win quickly, or spread attacks to keep opponent off-balance.

Defensive Positioning: Use Vine Dragons defensively to protect more vulnerable Water and Fire Dragons.

Why Choose Tatsu?

From the Creator of Hive: John Yianni’s proven design expertise ensures quality gameplay and strategic depth.

Award-Winning: Multiple 2016 iMAGiNATiON Gaming Awards including Gold for UKGE Family Zone Player’s Award.

Family-Friendly: Easy to learn rules with enough strategy to engage adults—perfect for ages 8+.

Fast-Paced Gameplay: 30-45 minute games make this ideal for game nights without excessive time commitment.

Beautiful Components: Gorgeously illustrated board and premium Bakelite stones create visual and tactile appeal.

Backgammon Meets Combat: Familiar dice-rolling mechanics combined with innovative dragon battle powers.

High Replayability: Dice variation and tactical decisions ensure different experiences every game.

Accessible Yet Strategic: Casual players enjoy the theme and luck elements; serious gamers appreciate tactical depth.

National Recognition: The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval confirms family-friendly quality.

What’s in the Box

1 Beautifully Illustrated Game Board:

• Circular arena design with inner and outer rings
• Clear visual indicators for movement direction
• Colored recruitment corners (green, blue, orange)
• Integrated player trays and mats
• Vibrant dragon-themed artwork

18 Premium Bakelite Dragon Stones: Each player receives:

• 4 Vine Dragons (green stones) – entangle opponents
• 3 Water Dragons (blue stones) – expel opponents
• 2 Fire Dragons (orange/red stones) – destroy opponents
• Stones in white or black player colors
• Heavy, durable Bakelite construction like Hive pieces
• Satisfying tactile weight and feel

2 Six-Sided Dice:

• Standard dice for movement rolls
• Quality construction matching game components

Illustrated Rules Leaflet:

• Clear setup instructions
• Movement rules and examples
• Dragon power explanations
• Winning conditions
• Strategic tips

The dragon stones are made from the same high-quality Bakelite material that made Hive famous—thick, solid, heavy, and highly durable. They have a satisfying heft that makes you feel ready for dragon battle. The board is sturdy and the illustrations are both beautiful and functional, helping guide gameplay.

Who Will Love Tatsu?

This dragon strategy game is perfect for backgammon fans seeking fresh mechanics, families with children 8+, Hive players interested in the designer’s other work, fans of dragon-themed games, players who enjoy dice-rolling strategy, gamers wanting 30-minute experiences, two-player game enthusiasts, casual and serious gamers alike, and anyone who appreciates beautiful game components with tactile appeal. If you enjoy games that balance luck and strategy while looking gorgeous on the table, Tatsu soars.

Official North American Distributor – Authentic Gen42 Games Product