An Icehouse Set (also referred to as a Martian Chess Set) is a collection of 15 pyramid-shaped game pieces, evenly divided among 3 different sizes. Each player needs their own set, in a different color. It can be used to play a complex abstract strategy board game, like chess for which the game set itself is named. But like a deck of cards, it can also be used to play a bunch of other, completely unrelated abstract strategy games - some easy, some complicated.
Icehouse itself is an abstract strategy board game played by 2 to 6 players. It is turnless and may be played on a board of any size or shape. It depends upon the concept of the touchmove to adjudicate play. However, due to the intricate arrangements of pieces that result in the course of a game, the accidental shifting of any piece on the board once it has been played (termed a crash) is penalized by the loss of the piece in the crashing player's hand.
Based upon informaton found at http://www.wunderland.com/icehouse/Default.html
I had been looking forward to a game of Icehouse against m_turner for sometime. It was to be at the The NoCal Super Layoff Unemployment Collecting BBQ Moonlit Bowling Noder Meet, where misuba brought his own set of pyramids. The three of us played a challenge match at dinner at the chain brewpub while noders looked on. I don't think that any of us were in top form. misuba won the game, at 23 of 30 points, subsequent matches were interrupted by appetizers.
There is an obscure rule in Icehouse that holds only when playing in a restaurant: Any pieces disturbed (touched or crashed) by the waitstaff are to be left in their "new" position. Unfortunately, the waitress refused to play along.