"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 such as Uno or chess have appeared in various forms, Abalone has been less common on mobile platforms—until now.

Abalone may sound unusual, but it's a deceptively simple game with a checkers-like ruleset. Played on a hexagonal board, it 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 includes a host of rules governing movement and how to push marbles off the board.

Though it may look complex, Abalone is surprisingly easy to master. The mobile version retains the strategic depth cherished by longtime players, while offering newcomers a chance to explore its surprising depth. It also features multiplayer, allowing you to challenge friends.

No, not the seafoodWhile I was familiar with Abalone, I hadn't delved into its intricacies until now. This mobile version seems tailored for fans of the existing tabletop game, with no clear tutorials or onboarding for new players.

However, there's clearly a market for Abalone enthusiasts. Given the plethora of online chess options, having a digital platform for Abalone can help elevate its profile among both casual and hardcore fans of this competitive puzzler.

If Abalone doesn't pique your interest, there are plenty of other options to challenge your brain. Check out our list of the top 25 best puzzle games on iOS and Android, ranging from casual arcade fun to brain-busting challenges.