Tips & Tricks
Overview
Magnets are fascinating to people of all ages. Start with unmarked polished magnetic stones that have magnetic force not just on the ends but on the top and bottom of each stone. Then add a game board that encourages the buildup of magnetic force over an entire playing surface. Throw in game play that can literally make you jump out of your chair and you've got the start of something fun, stimulating, entertaining and educational. You’ve got- Jishaku!.
But what are some keys to excelling at Jishaku? Practice helps and logical thinking can improve your chances. There are also some good and some not so good ways to play. Here are some helpful Tips & Tricks:
Common Approaches (Ranked 1-5 on effectiveness with one being the lowest)
The Dropper: A player using this method will typically move quickly to place their stone, and to avoid having magnets stick to their stone while they are holding it (possibly because they are chicken), will drop the magnet from a vareity of distances above the board.
Ranking: 1 Star. This method is disruptive of magnetic force and encourages other stones to jump and can result in multiple magnet connections. Watch the "Jishaku In Action" video for some prime examples of this.
Speed Demon: A player using this method thinks that by moving quickly they can get in and get out before magnets connect- thereby fooling the other magnets by surprise insertion.
Ranking: 2 Star. Quick movements affect the magnetic force of surrounding stones more than slow movements- inviting other friendly magnets to come visit. And without assessing the impact of your magnets orientation on magnets around you, your days are numbered.
Slow but Committed: A player using this method will methodically seek to place their stone into a hole that they have selected regardless of what happens as they place the stone.
Ranking: 3 Star. Moving slowly has less disruptive impact on the magnetic force of surrounding stones. However, ignoring how the magnet is affecting other stones, without seeking another possible place to put your magnet, invites trouble.
The Adjuster: A Player using this method will seek to methodically place their stone in multiple holes, rotating the stone as they do so, to help them determine the hole target least likely to result in two or more magnets coming together.
Ranking: 5 Star. Slow movements coupled with a testing of holes, where the magnet is rotated to determine its impact on surrounding stones, yields the best results. But be careful, testing has it's own inherent risks- strong magnets will jump even before you place your stone if you don't keep a wary eye on the board.
Strategies (without any comment as to effectiveness- you must seek your own preferred method!)
Edges First- player will seek to place all of his or her stones in the outer holes near the frame
Larger Stones First- saves smaller, presumably less strong magnets, for last when the board is fuller
Flat side down- most magnets have one surface that is larger than the other. Placing a stone with the largest surface facing down is considered, by some, a configuration that makes it less likely the magent will jump out of it's hole.
Blocking an Opponent
Just like Chess or Checkers, when an opportunity presents itself for a strategic move it is important to take advantage. Typically after an opponent player connects on some magnets you will have several choices of where to place your magnet. Look for the chance to place your magnet in the position that will most likely cause your opponent to choose a hole where he has to place a magnet next to another one.