Specifically in the context of abstract or combinatorial games.
As an example, Go and Reversi are both placement games. Although mathematically distinct (Reversi requires placement in the center at the start, and carries a constraint that new tokens must connect,) they share the core mechanic of token placement.
Both games involve surround-and-capture, however Go utilizes a "takeaway" mechanic, where in Reversi, no tokens are removed from the gameboard.
The result of this difference is that Go can become "loopy", requiring the imposition of the Ko rule, where Reversi is natively finite, and designated as "loop free".
Domineering is another basic form of loop-free, "pure placement" games, but is distinct in terms of token size to board cells (i.e. uses dominos, which take up two board positions.)
- Is there a formal term for games that utilize placement but not takeaway?