Strategy

Climb first

The XIMA book sums it up: the player who first brings at least two blocks, one of them the special block, to the third floor has the best chance of reaching the summit. To do that, they must first have brought at least three blocks to the second floor. That's why the best moves of both sides are always subordinate to the fight for the second floor.

Ten principles

• Every tempo counts: in the opening, two tempi are often worth more than a block.
• Don't go hunting blocks in the first moves.
• Always prepare more than one way up: a single route is easy to block.
• Don't bring the special block in early; enter it high and protected, typically as your 6th to 8th block.
• Keep one common block off the board for the endgame.
• Dominate your opponent's steps to stop them climbing.
• Fight for the middle centre (2nd floor) and the high centre (3rd floor).
• Coordinate your blocks: loose blocks that can't support each other make a bad position.
• Keep the initiative with threats that force replies.
• In the endgame, remember that two blocks beat one.

Endgames and opposition

Because a special block can never pass over the other special block, two specials standing next to each other (in opposition) block each other's lines. In the endgame you use this to place your supporting common block in a blind spot the opposing special can't reach, and climb to G7.