"Abalone: Classic Board Game Now on Smartphone"

Translating classic tabletop games to mobile can be a bit hit or miss, but it's become increasingly prevalent over the years. While iconic classics like Uno and chess have made various appearances, Abalone has been less common on mobile platforms—until now, with only one version previously available.

Abalone may sound unusual, but it features a deceptively simple, checkers-like ruleset. Played on a hexagonal board, the game pits two sides of white or black marbles against each other. The objective is to push at least six of your opponent's marbles off the board. The game involves a range of rules dictating movement and how marbles can be pushed off the board.

Though it appears complex, Abalone is surprisingly easy to master. The mobile version retains all the strategic depth that long-time players enjoy, while offering newcomers the chance to discover its surprising strategic nuances. It also includes multiplayer functionality, allowing you to challenge friends!

No, not the seafoodWhile I'd seen Abalone before, I hadn't known much about it until now. But this mobile version is clearly aimed at fans of the existing tabletop game. There's no indication of tutorials or other ways to ease new players in.

However, there is a clear market for Abalone enthusiasts. Given the plethora of online chess options, having a digital platform where Abalone can be played easily will certainly help raise the profile of this competitive puzzler among both casual and hardcore fans.

If Abalone doesn't pique your interest and you're looking to challenge your brain, explore our list of the top 25 best puzzle games on iOS and Android, ranging from casual arcade fun to complex brain-teasers.