[X]-in-a-row

Originally posted on http://www.heywetried.com/jalak by: HCIdivision17

Create a line of 3, 4, or 5 pillars in a row - in three dimensions.

Rules

Each player takes a turn raising a platform. The pillars are considered in a row if all the pillars in a line are an equivalent integer difference of height away from each other. Winning row examples:

1 1 1 1 1
6 5 4 3 2
4 6 8 10 12
18 15 12 9 6

For a win, none of the in-a-row pillars are at ground (0) or max level (19) and all may not be at the mid-level (10) if the game started there (for the sake of sanity). Invalide row examples:

0 0 0 0 0
19 18 17 16 15
10 10 10 10 10
0 4 8 12 16

Variations

This game can be played with an arbitrary number of people if the condition becomes be the first to spot the row.

The game does not even need to be turn-based, though good sportsmanship must reign to avoid cheap stalemates and ruthless obstructionism.

Jalakblocs: These may be used as to make the playing field more interesting from the start. For example:

• Large cubes may be used to modify a platform so it is +1 level, give a level.
• Ramp/triangular blocs may be used to force a platform to only be a row for inclines, possibly one with a slope to match (+-2 levels).
• Beam blocks could constrain multiple platforms be flat in order to count in a row.
  

(The only requirement for Jalakblocs is the meaning must be clear. [X] in a row is meant to be a game of simple rules after all!)