Hops

Hops is a game with square tiles. The tiles are spread over a table, each of the tiles connected with four other tiles, except on the edges, like a matrix. Each player has a figure to move over the tiles. The figure can move to each of the connected tiles.

The numbers of tiles one can move over is determined by the number rolled with a four-sided throwing-stick. Each tile that is moved over is collected by the player. Goal of the game is to collect as many tiles as possible.

Of course, when tiles are collected, they can't be moved over because they are taken out of the game. Collecting tiles leaves gaps on the table. Strategy can be to prevent other players to reach "your" region on the table.

However, some tiles have a symbol on them that allows them to be used as bridges. A player who has collected enough bridge-tiles can build a bridge of connected bridge-tiles to the other side of a gap. The bridge-tiles must fit in the matrix.
A bridge must be made instead of moving the figure. Thus, if a three is rolled, the player is allowed to use 3 bridge tiles to build a bridge, but the figure can't move that turn.
Tiles in a bridge can be collected by the other players if they move over the bridge.
Clever moves are necessary to collect enough bridge-tiles.

The game might differ in size. Games with over 250 tiles for two players are not uncommon. In some taverns there are special tables to play the game, with high edges, so the tiles won't fall off. Tiles are usually made of wood or clay, although some paper tiles are known too.