Assideum is a very old word, meaning - to lay siege.

The game "assideum" is one of strategy … pure, sweet strategy. Let your mind play at imagining the possibilities in a constantly evolving environment. No two matches the same.

For fifteen years we have watched players of all ages attempt to lay siege to their opponent's Commander. Using every ounce of their ability, they devise strategies that are as varied as the players themselves.

Assideum strategies are those of the battlefield. Imagine the Ved'rin being directed, like infantry, to take up positions in no-man's land; the tank-like Cruisers and Strikers, ripping holes in a defense; the Portals maneuvering into positions from which their Fighters fly to the attack; and all of them trying desperately to avoid being targeted by Ranger fire.

Each force has its own strengths and weaknesses. The Air Force and the Ground Force counterbalance each other beautifully. And the overall power involved in assideum is unmatched by any other 64 square board game. Attacks, defenses and counterattacks, all employ this power.

Some players are cautious in approach, patient and watchful for openings. Others attack aggressively, bringing as much power and force to bear as possible. Each imagines their own strategies and pursues their own courses of action.

When you watch them play you see faces that are very alert and alive. Watch their eyes. They are seeking to read what the pieces can tell them; they want to understand. Missing something can be painful but finding the right strategy is sweet.

Immediately afterwards ask a player about their match, and with great clarity they will tell you what they were seeing, imagining and thinking at the critical points. Ask them after they have played 20 matches and they will talk with you about strategies - which work and which don't. Their plans now involve multi-layered thinking.

Thinking is the key. You choose the goal you want to target; you imagine the possible ways of obtaining the goal; you devise the strategy and implement it; and the responsibility is yours for the actions you take, win or lose. Yes, stretching your mind is what it's all about.