Hoppsi

Hoppsi is a small-scale capture game designed for a 5x5 grid. It’s built on a simple, high-tension constraint: pieces must always move forward.  But there’s a twist.  When your pieces hit the opponent's back row, they rebound, turning around to hunt from behind. Every move shifts the momentum, turning a safe position into a trap in a single turn.

What makes Hoppsi different is the Match Play scoring. You aren't just playing one game.  You’re playing for points in a match, much like rugby or football:

• Capture the enemy Captain for 1 point.
• Breach the opposing home row with your own Captain for 2 points.
• Capture all of your opponent's runners for 3 points. 

First to 5 points wins the match.

Whether you're playing for a quick capture or a high-scoring shutout, Hoppsi is deep enough for the serious strategist but lean enough to play on a napkin with a few spare coins. It’s small-scale strategy with big-game stakes.

Minor Updates
2/10/2026 - Rules Document updated with new images and printable board.
3/7/2026 - Printable board color change, images updated in rules doc