Yavalath: Sample Chapter from Evolutionary Game Design

The following chapter from Evolutionary Game Design (Browne, 2011) describes Yavalath, the first computer-generated board game to be commercially published.

Yavalath is the most successful game evolved by the LUDI general game system. This article gives a complete description of the rules and analyses the forcing move mechanism that makes Yavalath so interesting. Some strong patterns and tactical tips are given, in addition to the solution of a puzzle and other aspects such as the first-move advantage, draws, and adding a third player. The publication of Yavalath and its reception by game players and designers is briefly discussed, as well as its general acceptance among the board game community and its possible role as an inspiration for subsequent games.