Hive is distinctly unique for a board game as it doesn't contain a board at all.

The only game pieces are 11 beautiful hexagonal Bakelite tiles (think Mahjong tiles).

Each tile contains the symbol of a particular insect and the tiles are either black or white to denote the two sides.

The aim of Hive is to completely surround your opponents Queen bee with tiles - tiles from either player will do.

On a player's turn they can choose to add another tile to the play area or to move one of their insects already on the board.

New tiles added must be connected to other tiles in play and cannot touch your opponents tiles when placed (excpet for the second turn).

By adding new tiles to the play area, players are creating a hive structure and expanding the play area.

The entire game then revolves around the insects at your disposal and how they move.

The ant is the most useful as it can move as far as it likes, but only around the outside of the hive.

The grasshopper must move in a straight line and jump at least one tile, but it may jump more if they are all connected.

The beetle can move only one space in any direction but it can also move up on other tiles. This renders that tile immobile until the beetle moves again.

The spider is the most challenging tile to move as it must move three spaces per turn and only in a straight line.

The queen bee can also move one space in any direction but it cannot climb like the beetle.

The final rules to the game are also crucial.

A player can never move a piece if that move would result in the hive splitting in two.

This allows players to make moves in order to trap the pieces of their opponent.

Most pieces must also move by sliding (the grasshopper is the exception).

The gameplay of Hive is extremely challenging as each player aims to manoeuvre their insects to create an advantage.

Offensive and defensive plays are abundant and the hive is always evolving.

The most appealing feature of the game is that new ideas and tactics become visible as the game is played and in this way the game remains fresh and different.

If you like abstract or puzzle style games then I highly recommend Hive.

The game play is excellent, it is simple to learn and the components are high quality.

It also won the Mensa Best Mind Game Award for 2006