Pumpkin Patch

This game for two players is based on a game from the Somali people of Africa.
You will need two sets of 12 counters (12 of one colour and twelve of another colour), and a 5 x 5 grid for the game board.
Set the counters out as shown below.

Players take turns to move one of their counters one square up, down or sideways.
You capture the other player's counter (pick their pumpkin) by jumping over it and landing in an empty space.
The first player to pick all the other player's pumpkins is the winner.
If the game becomes blocked, the player with the most pumpkins left wins.

Is it better to play an attacking game or a defensive game?
Can you find a method for blocking the game?