Description

Hot Spot is played on a board that has 64 spaces (8x8) like a checkerboard/chessboard. Each player starts with 12 pieces, each containing a number 1, 2, or 3, denoting how many spaces the piece moves. Pieces may only move in straight lines and over or onto their own or the opponent's pieces.

Pieces are captured by being in an opponent's movement range. The captured piece is turned over on the board. The game is won, when a player's eight pieces are captured.

The designer, Daniel E, McGuire, sent a copy of the rules to Martin Gardner in 1961.

Martin then forwarded the rules of Hot Spot to Sid Sackson on 1/ 2/ 62.

Spotnik is a military type of game in which simulated artillery pieces are used in an interesting battle of wits between two opponents. It is a game of fast action and short playing time, averaging about 30 minutes. It is played upon a standard checker or chess board. It was sent to Parker Brothers in 1960 for consideration. On 3/20/61, he writes Martin Gardner to share that it is to be manufactured by Parker Brothers under the new name Hot Spot. On May 25, 1961 in a letter to Martin Gardner, he shares that he has recently toured the factory where Parker games are made. In addition, the Pittsburg Post-Gazette published a story on 6/11/61 in their Sunday magazine section with a picture of Mr. McGuire and his younger son Eugene playing the game.

The Strong Museum
The Brian Sutton-Smith Library & Archives of Play
Sid Sackson Collection
Box 1-2.6