Hare and Hounds Strategy

A solved game still has technique. These are the ideas that decide it. New here? Read the rules first.

1. Hounds: build the wall

Three hounds filling one column cannot be passed. Get into a full column early, then step forward one hound at a time, keeping two in the column until the third can rejoin.

2. Hounds: watch the stall clock

Every sideways move counts toward ten. Use sideways moves only to reposition before an advance, and reset the count with a forward step as soon as it's safe.

3. Hounds: close the net at the right end

The hare at the right tip has three neighbours. Occupy them all and it is trapped. Advance so that the last column fills with the hare still on the tip.

4. Hare: look for the gap

Whenever the hounds leave a column half empty, the hare can dart through. Keep next to the hounds so a gap is reachable in one move.

5. Hare: use the centre

The centre point touches eight lines. From there the hare threatens two gaps at once, and a single hound can't cover both.

6. Hare: make them waste moves

If the hounds have to shuffle sideways to keep you out, let them: each shuffle brings the stalling rule closer.

Last updated 2026-10-20