About the Game
1. About the game Foldshot
Foldshot is a turn based duel game where two opponents try to hit each other's figures using a mirror reflection mechanic.
In the paper version, players placed dots on their own field, folded the sheet, and pressed the dot so it would transfer onto the opponent's field. The digital version preserves this mechanic but makes it more precise, faster, and easier to play.
The name of the game reflects its core mechanic — the mirrored reflection of each move. Every action a player makes is literally mirrored onto the opponent's field.
The rules are simple and intuitive for children, teenagers, and adults, making Foldshot a universal game for the whole family.
Below are the rules of the classic paper version and the main strategies for winning.
2. Rules of the paper version of Foldshot
2.1. Core idea
Foldshot is a two player paper duel where participants try to hit each other's figures by placing dots on their own field and transferring them to the opponent's field by folding the sheet.
2.2. Players
Two players.
2.3. Materials
One sheet of paper (vertical orientation) and a pen.
2.4. Setup
2.4.1. Dividing the sheet
- The sheet is placed vertically.
- A horizontal line divides it in half.
- The upper half is Player 1's field.
- The lower half is Player 2's field.
2.4.2. Figures
Each player draws the same number of simple shaped figures (for example, squares). The figures:
- do not overlap;
- may be placed anywhere within the player's half;
- have a contour thickness equal to a normal pen line;
- must be identical in shape and size;
- the number is agreed upon beforehand (e.g., 10).
2.5. Gameplay
- Players take turns.
- On their turn, a player places a bold dot on their own field.
- The sheet is folded along the horizontal line.
- The dot is pressed with a finger to transfer it to the opponent's field.
- The sheet is unfolded — the result of the move is determined.
2.6. Hit or miss
A figure is considered hit if the transferred dot:
- is fully inside the figure's area;
- does not touch the outline.
A miss occurs if the dot:
- touches the outline,
- lands on the outline,
- touches the edge of the figure,
- is completely outside the figure.
2.7. Restrictions
- A dot cannot be placed outside the player's half.
- Figures cannot be moved after the game begins.
2.8. Victory
The winner is the first player to hit all of the opponent's figures.
2.9. Draw
Possible if both players hit each other's last figures on the same turn, following turn order.
3. Adapting the paper game into a digital version
The digital version fully preserves the mirror reflection mechanic but makes the gameplay much more convenient. Reflection is calculated automatically and without inaccuracies, so every move is processed fairly and with high precision. The game becomes faster — a move takes only a second — and visually clearer, since the result appears instantly on the screen.
Foldshot is available on any device, making it easy to play whenever you want. This format makes the game more accessible and helps beginners learn the mechanics quickly.
3.1. Reflection algorithm
If a player places a dot at coordinates (x, y), it appears on the opponent's field at (x, H − y), where H is the height of the playing field. This exactly replicates the folding mechanic of the paper version.
3.2. Hit-detection algorithm
After reflection, the game checks whether the center of the dot lies inside an opponent's figure. If it does, the figure is counted as hit. This preserves the rules of the paper version while eliminating human error.
4. Strategy in Foldshot
In Foldshot, the opponent's field is fully visible, so the game is built on precise spatial reasoning and understanding of mirrored coordinates. Every move is both an attack and a test of your accuracy. To win consistently, you must not only place accurate dots but also analyze the layout of both fields.
4.1. Planning your moves
To improve your accuracy and consistently hit the opponent's figures, it's important to anticipate where the mirrored point will land. Several simple techniques can help with this:
- visualize where the dot will appear after reflection;
- estimate the distance to the symmetry axis;
- study the opponent's figure layout beforehand;
- use previous dots as reference points.
These principles help build a sequence of accurate moves.
4.2. Groups of figures — the best starting target
Grouped figures:
- share similar mirrored coordinates,
- allow easy correction after the first attempt,
- provide high accuracy over multiple moves.
Thus, the chance of hitting a figure within a group is always higher, even with a poor sense of aim.
4.3. Figures near the edge are vulnerable
A small distance from the edge is easy to estimate visually — making these figures simple to hit.
4.4. Central isolated figures
Central figures:
- are harder to estimate,
- require precise aim,
- are best left for the endgame.
4.5. Focus on one figure at a time
Effective strategy:
- choose a target;
- make a series of consecutive moves;
- adjust direction after each attempt;
- complete the attack on the target;
- move on to the next one.
4.6. Strategic summary
When placing your own figures:
- avoid clustering;
- avoid placing figures near the edge;
- place isolated figures closer to the center.
During the game:
- start with weak positions — grouped or edge figures;
- leave difficult central targets for later;
- use series of moves on one target.
4.7. Common mistakes
Even experienced players occasionally make typical mistakes. Avoiding them can greatly improve your accuracy:
- placing the point too close to the symmetry axis,
- misjudging the distance to the target figure,
- ignoring previous points and not adjusting your trajectory,
- making moves at random without analyzing the field.
Recognizing these mistakes helps you develop your sense of aim and strategic thinking much faster.
5. Strategy examples
5.1. Example: attacking a group of figures
Imagine your opponent has three figures standing very close together. You place your first point based on the general position of the group, and even if you miss, the mirrored point still lands near the target. When figures are clustered, hitting the group area even once is enough to easily adjust your next move and hit the remaining figures.
Why it works: a group creates a wide zone where even an inaccurate move gives you useful feedback for adjusting your direction.
5.2. Example: hitting a figure near the edge
Your opponent's figure is positioned about a centimeter from the edge of the field. You place your point at the same distance from the edge on your side. The reflection almost always hits on the first attempt.
Reason: a small distance to the edge is easy to judge visually — it's the simplest target in the game.
5.3. Example: a difficult central figure
A figure stands almost in the center of the field. Your first move misses. The second one is closer, but still off. This is completely normal: the center has no visual reference points, so your sense of aim fails more often.
Tip: leave such targets for the end, when the field is already "marked" by your previous points.
5.4. Example: a series of moves on a single target
You choose a figure within a group. The first move misses to the right. The second adjusts to the left. The third hits.
Conclusion: focusing several moves on one target is always more effective than making random attempts on different figures.
5.5. Example: a bad strategy
A player places points left, then right, then in the center, then left again. They don't use previous points as reference markers. As a result, they make an entire series of moves without a single hit.
Conclusion: in Foldshot, chaotic play rarely beats a systematic approach.
6. Ready to begin?
Enter the game, choose the "Play with Robot" mode, set the difficulty to Easy, and make your first moves.
Playing against the robot is perfect for training your sense of aim and quickly learning how to confidently predict reflections before facing real opponents.
Start playing, and each new match of Foldshot will reveal new strategic possibilities.