Section 3: Playing Area
Build the tower on a flat, rigid, stable surface with enough open space for every player to reach it safely. A sturdy table or a smooth floor works well. Avoid soft carpet, flexible trays, uneven ground, vibrating surfaces, and locations where wind can move the tower.
Starting Tower
- Place three blocks side by side to form the bottom layer. Their long sides should be parallel.
- Place the next three blocks on top at a right angle to the layer below.
- Continue alternating direction through all 18 layers.
- Align the blocks into a reasonably straight tower without deliberately wedging them together.
- Remove any stacking sleeve carefully and allow the tower to settle before choosing the first player.
Players should remain clear of the surface except when taking a turn. Leaning on, bumping, shaking, tilting, or intentionally vibrating the playing surface is not allowed. Drinks, loose objects, pets, fans, and trailing cords should be kept away from the tower.
All players should have a fair line of sight. If the tower is difficult to reach, players may change their own position between turns, but the tower or its supporting surface should not be rotated unless everyone agrees to a rotation procedure before the game.