At the dawn of the century, John Yianni struck gold in creating Hive(R), a strategic game about using specialized bugs to surround an enemy bee. What makes this masterpiece so much fun is its simplicity. There are no complex rules that eject you from the puzzle mindset. Chance is off the table. There isn't even a board to set up. It's an intense duel with no sound... except for the satisfying "CLACK-CLACK" produced by the physical version. A quick search online will show that Hive claims a spot on virtually every list of top-ten strategy table games for two players. That is an important distinction-you can find the game of Hive without even searching for "the game of Hive." Alas, this beautiful game is starting to get its dues. And with that recognition, Hive strategies have crystallized and evolved... over and over. There are now many skilled players. So, if you're interested in competing at the highest level, you would benefit greatly from the perspective of a true master...Joe Schultz (Jewdoka), the 2017 Hive World Champion, exposes the intricacies of the game in "The Canon of Hive: Groundwork." As a devout practitioner of Judo, Jewdoka applies the principles of "the gentle way" to the game of Hive. This book will inspire you to maximize your efficiency and avoid the fruitless fight of strength vs. strength. You will also have the tools to create your own powerful style and perhaps one day claim the rank of champion.To facilitate your growing process, "Groundwork" quantizes the levels of Hive information into five levels: (1) Principle, (2) Fundamental, (3) Technique, (4) Tactic, and finally, (5) Strategy. By growing your skill in each level, you will have more room to expand your ability in the levels above. Because the main goal is to enable you to develop your own strategy, the bulk of this book hinges on level 3: Technique. In fact, 40 (yes 40!) technical tools sorted into five neat categories distilled for your creative combinations. But don't think that is the only part. The hinge is only as important as what it connects. You must start with your principle and ultimately arrive in your own Hive strategy.Despite having over 300 pages, Groundwork is an easy and captivating read. The bite-sized-chunk delivery allows you to learn something new or solidify a particular topic of interest within a restricted time frame. Just 5 min with this book is enough to unlock a hidden door that will help your gameplay right off the bat. You will want to come back to strengthen yourself time and time again. Groundwork is a great resource that will no doubt be a centerpiece on the lap of any interested player, no matter your skill level.Almost three years in the making, Groundwork has evolved to become the book that it is today. The long wait is over! Jewdoka is pleased to bring you "The Canon of Hive: Groundwork," with the blessing of the creator himself: "I have to say that this is an awesome book, I'm very impressed... This is a wonderful resource for the Hive community... It's such a joy reading the depth you have gone into." -John Yianni So, do you want to be the next Hive World Champion?