Otrio is a strategy game published by Marbles Brain Workshop in conjunction with Spin Master Games. This unique board game is based on the general concept of Tic Tac Toe, but with an added 3D element to it.
Designed to be played by 2-4 players aged 8 and up, it’s a great addition to family board game night. As it takes only about 10-30 minutes to play, it’s an easy way to keep occupied while waiting for dinner to finish.
Otrio is available in a deluxe version with a wooden board, or a standard white plastic base. Both feature plastic rings, though I find the plastic base version’s to be more brightly colored.
Who Created Otrio?
Otrio was created by Brady Peterson, an engineer by trade from the Midwest US. Nowadays, he has a few more games under his belt, and is also the co-founder of Playtacular, a board game publishing company.
Games Similar to Otrio
- Quarto. This game requires players to line up 4 figures that share shape traits, in a Tic Tac Toe meets UNO sort of way
- Kloak. In Kloak, you’ll be trying to get 3 matching tokens in a row like Tic Tac Toe. However, there’s piece concealment, movement, and reveal, adding a Memory game aspect to it
Both these games are a similar concept to Otrio, while the way in which gameplay occurs varies slightly. However, if you’re a fan of one, I’d recommend any of the others as alternatives to change it up a bit.
Can You Play Otrio With 3 Players?
Yes, Otrio can be played with 3 players.
To do so, you’ll remove one of the 4 included colors from play, so each player has just one color of tokens assigned to them.
How Do You Play the Game Otrio?
How to Win the Otrio Board Game
You win Otrio by creating some form of 3 in a row, like Tic Tac Toe. This can happen one of three ways:
- All 3 ring sizes of the same color are stacked on one board space
- Achieve 3 of the same size piece in the same color in a row
- Have all 3 different sizes of game piece in the same color in a row, in either ascending or descending size order
Your row can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, so make sure to keep your eyes out on potential winning moves!
If you are playing the two-person version with two colors each, note that to achieve an Otrio, you must do so with all the same color. A combination of your two colors does not count.
Setup Directions
- Each player chooses the color tokens they want to play with
- If only two people are playing, each user selects two colors
- Stack your tokens in the 3 spaces outside the square playing area on your side of the board.
- For two color play, put your 2nd color in the holding area directly across from you (not an adjacent side)
Gameplay
- Youngest player goes first
- The first player places one piece of their choice into the play area
- Play proceeds clockwise, with each subsequent player making a play
- Should you be using two colors, players must alternate colors played on every turn
- If you cannot make a legal play on your turn, your turn is skipped
- Whoever makes an Otrio first wins
Other Otrio Rules
- Pieces cannot be moved once placed
- An optional “no middle” rule is included to ban play in the middle circle. For very strategic folks, the middle spot tends to give an upper hand, so removing it from play makes gameplay more interesting
Can You Tie in Otrio?
You can technically tie in Otrio, much like you can in Tic Tac Toe.
However, it is far less likely than in the classic game. Otrio uses a system of 36 colored rings over 27 playing spots, so it’s a much larger scale, making a tie or stalemate far less probable.
It’s especially difficult in the 4-player version, as keeping track of that many potential moves will be hard to do well.
What Are Some Otrio Strategies?
- If the middle is not banned from play in your game, that is always the most strategic spot to begin with, yielding the highest chance of winning
- Try to not only block your opponent, but also set up multiple possible ways to win for yourself
How Do You Win in Otrio Every Time?
There is one way to win in Otrio every time. In a two-player game, only elect to use one color ring set per player. The player who goes first, with proper ring placement, will win every time.
For example:
- Play the largest ring in one corner on your first turn
- On the second turn, play another large ring in an opposing corner that is not diagonal from your starting position
- Your opponent will need to place a large ring between the two to block
- Now, place a medium ring within the large ring in the space your opponent played
- On your next turn, place a small in either large ring that has the space (since your opponent may only block one at a time)
- You win!
Note that this is not the intended way per the rules to play the Otrio board game. In fact, that is why it tells you to play with two ring sets each in a 2-player scenario.
However, if you have a young child that you’re trying to make feel good by winning (or they’re not very good at strategy yet) this is an alternative option.
Are Otrio Board Game Replacement Pieces Available?
Yes, Otrio board game replacement pieces are available.
If it’s just one piece, I always just recommend you call the manufacturer first and see if they can help you out. If you’re missing a few or the family dog went to town on them, we found replacement pieces available in a couple locations:
The latter option is actually 3D printed! If you’re crafty, you may even be able to make your own replacement Otrio pieces at home.
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Is Otrio a Fun Game?
Otrio is a fun game, if you enjoy strategy-style games. I’m not going to say it’s for everyone, but we really enjoyed playing it. If you have kids, tweens, and teens that you want to reinforce critical thinking and memory skills with, then we think it’s a great addition to family game night.
Our Review of the Otrio Board Game
If that wasn’t enough convincing, it also received a Toy & Game International Excellence Award (TAGIE), and boasts a 4.7/5 star rating on Amazon with over 4,000 reviews.
Related Items
Looking for more great strategy games for board game night? Check out some of our favorites:
Dimension is a fast-paced 3D marble stacking board game where you’ll need to prioritize combinations that net you the most points to win!
In the Sabobatage card game, you’ll need to be strategic to outwit other players and create your Boba empire!
What’s a more classic strategy game than Chess? Take it to the next level with this giant outdoor chess set. The pieces are as tall as the kids!
The Tetris balance game brings the video game we all know and love to a stacking game. Use your thinking skills when placing pieces to keep things from falling (or try to sabotage your opponent)!
If you’re having an adult party night, then try out this Tic Tac Toe drinking game with a shot glass board!
Otrio Strategy-Based Board Game, for Adults, Families, and Kids Ages 8 and up, by Marbles Brain Store
4 used from $19.19
Features
- GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO FACE OFF IN A BRAINY COMPETITION? Face off in the game of Otrio, a head-to-head strategy board game based on the classic game of tic-tac-toe
- LINE UP THE PIECES FOR THE WIN: Players compete to line up three pieces of the same color by similar size; in ascending or descending order; or within the same space
- EDUCATIONAL AND FUN: Playing Otrio encourages players to cultivate their reasoning, strategizing and critical thinking skills
- EASY START, FUN AND ENGAGING: Otrio is made for 2-4 players ages 8 and up and is the perfect activity for family game night in or as a travel game
- Spin Master offers a variety of board games & puzzles for kids & adults. Classic, card, family, trivia, party games & more. Puzzle lines feature characters for kids of all ages, adult jigsaw, 3-D & more
