Risk is a classic board game of strategy where players aim to conquer territories and continents while eliminating opponents. Here's a basic overview of how to play:
### Setup:
1. **Gameboard Setup**: Lay out the game board, which consists of a world map divided into territories and continents. Each territory is connected to neighboring territories by lines or borders.
2. **Assign Armies**: Each player chooses a color and receives a set number of armies based on the number of players. These armies are usually represented by small plastic pieces of the player's color.
3. **Claim Territories**: Players take turns placing one army at a time on unoccupied territories until all territories are claimed. This initial placement phase continues until all territories are occupied.
4. **Assign Objectives (Optional)**: Players may agree on certain objectives or missions to add more complexity to the game.
### Gameplay:
1. **Reinforcement Phase**: At the beginning of each turn, players receive a number of reinforcements based on the number of territories they control and any continents they completely occupy.
2. **Attack Phase**:
- Players can choose to attack neighboring territories held by opponents.
- To attack, a player must announce which territory they are attacking from and which territory they are attacking.
- The attacker rolls dice equal to the number of armies they are attacking with (up to three dice) and the defender rolls dice equal to the number of armies defending (up to two dice). The highest dice from each side are compared, and the highest roll wins. The defender wins ties.
- If the attacker wins, they move armies into the conquered territory. If the defender wins, the attacker must retreat.
3. **Fortification Phase**: After attacking, a player can choose to move armies from one territory to another adjacent territory they control.
4. **End of Turn**: Pass play to the next player.
### Victory:
- The game continues until one player controls all the territories or until agreed-upon victory conditions are met.
### Additional Tips:
- **Controlling Continents**: Players receive bonus reinforcements for controlling entire continents, so it's often advantageous to focus on capturing and holding continents.
- **Strategic Alliances**: Players can form temporary alliances to weaken common opponents, but remember that alliances are not binding, and betrayal is common.
- **Risk Management**: Balancing offense and defense is crucial. Overextending can leave you vulnerable, but playing too defensively can also hinder your progress.
- **Adaptation**: Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the actions of your opponents and the changing dynamics of the game board.
Remember, Risk can be a lengthy game, so be prepared for a potentially extended gaming session!