Counteract is played on a 6x6 board with the squares numbered from 1-6; one space of each number is a "magic square" with a star on it. Each player has a supply of counters. On a typical turn a player rolls a die and places a counter on an empty space with the matching number. They may take another turn if a 6 is rolled. Each player may make a "power play" three times during the game; this involves rolling two dice and allows replacing an opposing piece at the designated coordinates if there is one. The game ends when one player uses all their pieces. Scoring is primarily based on forming lines of six pieces and on occupying the magic squares, although there are some extra points available to the player who goes out.