Barriers
Play free
Rules and strategy
How to play Barriers
Barriers is a free online strategy board game about racing, pathfinding, and tactical wall placement. Reach the opposite edge before your opponent while reshaping both routes one turn at a time.
Objective and turn structure
Your pawn starts on one edge of the nine-by-nine board. Win by reaching any square on the opposite edge before the other player reaches yours. On every turn, choose exactly one action: move your pawn or place one wall.
Pawn movement and jumping
- Move one square horizontally or vertically when no wall blocks the edge.
- If the opponent stands directly next to you and the square behind them is open, jump over them.
- If a wall blocks that direct jump, move diagonally to either legal square beside the opponent.
A short-looking route is not always the fastest route. Count legal moves rather than visual distance, especially after several walls divide the board.
Legal wall placement
Walls occupy two edges and may be placed horizontally or vertically. They can extend an opponent's route, protect a corridor, or force a detour. Walls may not overlap or cross, and every placement must preserve at least one route to the goal for both players.
Because walls are limited, each one is a strategic resource. A wall that delays your opponent by two moves while costing you one move is usually more valuable than a wall that only looks restrictive.
Beginner strategy
Advance before spending every wall
Moving creates permanent progress. Avoid placing walls without a measurable effect on the shortest path.
Watch both shortest paths
Compare your route with your opponent's after every action. If they are one move from the goal, either finish first or place a legal wall that genuinely increases their route.
Keep flexible wall shapes
Connected wall patterns can be powerful, but predictable structures are easier to route around. Preserve options so you can react to a jump, a side switch, or an unexpected corridor.