"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 we've seen iconic classics like Uno or chess make their way to various mobile platforms, the presence of Abalone has been notably scarce—until now.

Abalone may sound unusual, but its rules are deceptively simple, akin to checkers. Played on a hexagonal board, the game pits two sides of white or black marbles against each other with the objective of pushing at least six of your opponent's marbles off the board. The game involves a variety of rules about movement and strategies for pushing marbles off the board.

Though it might appear complex, Abalone is surprisingly easy to master. The mobile version retains all the strategic depth that longtime fans cherish, while offering newcomers a chance to delve into its engaging gameplay. The app even supports multiplayer, allowing you to challenge friends and test your skills.

No, not the seafoodWhile I was familiar with Abalone, I hadn't delved deeply into its mechanics until now. This mobile version seems tailored specifically for fans of the tabletop game. There's no clear indication of tutorials or other mechanisms to ease new players into the game.

However, it's evident that there's a dedicated audience for Abalone. With the abundance of online chess options available, the availability of Abalone on a digital platform is likely to boost the game's visibility among both casual and hardcore fans.

If Abalone doesn't pique your interest and you're looking to challenge your brain cells, there are plenty of other options. Check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games on iOS and Android for a range of experiences, from casual arcade fun to intense brain-teasers.