gale

This is a paper and pencil game for two players. There are many variants on the same theme, such as the game 'Hex'. It is also the basic idea behind some board games, and was even the basis for the 1980's U.K. quiz show, 'Blockbusters'.

Start by drawing two overlapping 4 by 5 grids as shown in the diagram. It helps if they are drawn in different colours, say black and blue.

  *   *   *   * 
o   o   o   o   o 
  *   *   *   * 
o   o   o   o   o
  *   *   *   * 
o   o   o   o   o 
  *   *   *   * 
o   o   o   o   o
  *   *   *   *

Here an asterisk represents a black dot and a 'o' represents a blue dot.

The first player draws a line between two black dots that are horizontally or vertically adjacent, so that it does not cross over any other lines. The second player does the same between the blue dots. Play then passes back to the first player.

The first player wins by creating a continuous line from top to bottom, and the second player wins by creating a continuous line from left to right. Eventually one player must win: there are no draws.

A larger playing area can be used for a more complex game. In Gale, the first player usually has an advantage. Gale has a similar strategy to Go, in that it may often be necessary to defend against an approaching line well in advance.

Gale (?), n. [Prob. of Scand.. origin; cf. Dan. gal furious, Icel. galinn, cf. Icel. gala to sing, AS. galan to sing, Icel. galdr song, witchcraft, AS. galdor charm, sorcery, E. nightingale; also, Icel. gjla gust of wind, gola breeze. Cf. Yell.]

1.

A strong current of air; a wind between a stiff breeze and a hurricane. The most violent gales are called tempests.

⇒ Gales have a velocity of from about eighteen ("moderate") to about eighty ("very heavy") miles an our.

Sir. W. S. Harris.

2.

A moderate current of air; a breeze.

A little gale will soon disperse that cloud. Shak.

And winds of gentlest gale Arabian odors fanned From their soft wings. Milton.

3.

A state of excitement, passion, or hilarity.

The ladies, laughing heartily, were fast getting into what, in New England, is sometimes called a gale. Brooke (Eastford).

Topgallant gale Naut., one in which a ship may carry her topgallant sails.

 

© Webster 1913.

---

Gale (?), v. i. Naut.

To sale, or sail fast.

 

© Webster 1913.

---

Gale, n [OE. gal. See Gale wind.]

A song or story.

[Obs.]

Toone.

 

© Webster 1913.

---

Gale, v. i. [AS. galan. See 1st Gale.]

To sing.

[Obs.] "Can he cry and gale."

Court of Love.

 

© Webster 1913.

---

Gale, n [AS. gagel, akin to D. gagel.] Bot.

A plant of the genus Myrica, growing in wet places, and strongly resembling the bayberry. The sweet gale (Myrica Gale) is found both in Europe and in America.

 

© Webster 1913.

---

Gale, n. [Cf. Gabel.]

The payment of a rent or annuity.

[Eng.]

Mozley & W.

Gale day, the day on which rent or interest is due.

 

© Webster 1913.