Kess is a new intriguing board game FREE for Apple and Android, the Windows version is free to try, and $9 to buy (multiple languages available). It also is available as a board game to play one on one in person!

This fast paced game will have you strategizing, and thinking quick on your feet.  It’s easy to get totally lost in a match as you try to peer into the future, pick apart the board, and attempt to predict your opponent’s moves. KESS only takes a minute to learn; no stuffy rule book required. The battlefield is a 7×7 grid of squares – a bit smaller than a chess board. Each player gets 10 pieces, but unlike most board games, each player gets FIVE moves per turn, making for a quicker but more tactical play through. Each turn is more like an onslaught than executing a single play. To take an enemy piece, simply surround it on 3 sides. Simply capture your opponent’s pieces to win! There are hundreds of strategies and trillions of ways a game can unfold, allowing endless skill-building and constant excitement!

Like all great strategy games, KESS forces players to utilize sneak attacks, fake-outs, perspective, and decision-making in order to destroy their opponents. Kids love the ultra-simple rules and colorful board and game pieces, while adults love the hidden depth of the game; as it forces players to think outside the box as they balance offense and defense. KESS is a true battle of the wits!

Meet the Creator Dev Kuman.  who also happens to be a brilliant physician from Appleton, Wisconsin.

Dev, why don’t you tell us how your creation, Kess came to be?

I made up this game when I was a little kid. I did not have a lot of friends and was lonely. At that time I just used rocks colored with crayons as game pieces. This is a game where you can play all by yourself or with a friend. Over the years the game evolved, but I never shared it with anyone. But now that I am older, in the last couple of years, I started to feel that this was an exciting game that should be shared and played by all. I then named it Kess, trademarked it, filed a patent application (still pending) and made up formal rules.

It has since been made into android, Apple and windows versions (all available for download) and also there is a  physical / hard copy version that is available to buy, all on https://kessgame.com. Our little LLC is based out of Appleton, Wisconsin; however, the boxed game ships out from Virginia. What people appreciate about Kess is that you can play it all by yourself if you don’t have anyone to play with. It is also an awesome game to play with your friend or significant other. The game moves very fast, the rules are as simple as can be, yet it is totally 100% a game of strategy and tactics, there is no role for luck, and the game does not use any coins or dice or spinners.

Dev, that is truly AMAZING, and we are so glad you did share it. I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

It was a big challenge designing and manufacturing it. It is an enormous task taking a game that you made up and played by yourself as a little kid, and making it into a board game; especially if you have never made or sold anything before.

How is Kess different than other board games?

I named the game Kess (the name is trade marked in the United States and the European Union) in honor of the greatest of all games, Chess. But it is different in the sheer simplicity of the game, plus the speed with which the game moves. If you know what you are doing, you can beat your opponent in a few minutes of play. This is something that would appeal to chess and board game enthusiasts everywhere. If you try it once you will be hooked!

Dev, Let’s talk about the work you do.

I am not a gamer. I am a physician. I love playing the game I created, obviously. I feel it is relaxing, and a lot of fun after a hard day or work.

What will people love the most about Kess?

It’s a blast to play, and gets you connecting with other people.

What’s next for you and Kess?

At this time we (we meaning myself, my programmers and math experts) are working on a Robo/AI version of the game, which is not ready for release yet. Once ready this will be a powerful AI system that human players can play against. But the most fun will still be when you play the board game with a friend, spouse or kids.

Download Kess Today or buy the physical game here: