Board games
Gioul
Opposite ways, no hitting, every double climbs to 6-6
Gioul is Gul Bara’s cousin with the players running against each other. Each starts with all 15 checkers on the other’s first point, as in Plakoto, and there is no hitting: a single checker holds its point. Every double climbs from the very first roll — 3-3 gives four 3s, then four 4s, 5s and 6s — and if you cannot play all your numbers, your opponent plays the rest for themselves before rolling.
- Players
- 2 players
- Length
- 10–20 min per match
- Type
- Board games
Play Gioul online with friends
At Masa, Gioul is a game of its own right next to Tavla: pick it in the games list, open a table and share its code or link with your friends, or sit at a house table. Bots fill the empty chairs, and voice chat keeps the table talking.
How to play
- 1
All 15 checkers start on one point. Race them round, bring them home and bear them off first. The match goes to 3 points.
- 2
The players move in opposite directions, each starting on the other’s first point.
- 3
No hitting: a single checker holds its point. You may neither land on it nor touch down on it in a combined move.
- 4
Every double climbs, from the first roll: play it four times, then every higher double four times up to 6-6 (3-3: four 3s, 4s, 5s and 6s).
- 5
If you can’t play all your numbers, your turn ends and your opponent plays the unused ones for themselves, then rolls.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gioul the same game as Tavla?
No. Gioul is played at the same kind of table as Tavla, but with rules of its own — see “How to play” above. At Masa it is a game of its own, with its own tables, stats and achievements.
Can I play Gioul online with friends?
Yes. Open a Gioul table and share its code or link. Empty seats fill with other players or bots, so a game always starts.
Is Gioul free to play?
Yes. You play with Chips, which have no cash value: nothing can be won or cashed out.
