Frustration, a classic board game of strategy and luck, offers a thrilling race to the finish. With its unique Pop-O-Matic die roller and simple yet engaging gameplay, Frustration has been captivating players for generations.
Key Takeaways:
- Players need to roll a six to start their pegs on the board
- The Pop-O-Matic die container adds a fun element to rolling
- Landing on an opponent’s peg sends it back to the starting position
- Rolling a six grants an extra turn
- The first player to get all four pegs to the Finish space wins
Game Setup and Components
To begin playing Frustration, you’ll need to set up the game board and distribute the pieces. The game features a circular board with colorful markings for starting and finishing areas. Each player gets four pegs in their chosen color (red, yellow, green, or blue). Place your pegs in the assigned starting positions on the board.
The game’s standout feature is the Pop-O-Matic die container. This unique component houses a six-sided die and adds an exciting element to each turn. The Pop-O-Matic ensures fair rolls and eliminates the chance of losing dice during gameplay.
Starting the Game
Getting your pegs onto the board is the first challenge in Frustration. To start moving, you need to roll a six using the Pop-O-Matic. This initial move places your first peg on the board, ready for action. Remember, rolling a six doesn’t just get you started – it also grants you an extra turn after moving your peg.
Players take turns rolling the die, hoping for that lucky six to begin their journey around the board. If you don’t roll a six, your turn passes to the next player. This initial phase can be quite tense, as players compete to get their pegs in play.
Gameplay and Player Interactions
Once you have pegs on the board, the real fun begins. On each turn, you’ll move one of your in-play pegs according to the number shown on the die. The circular path around the board creates opportunities for strategic moves and player interactions.
One of the most exciting aspects of Frustration is the ability to send opponents’ pegs back to their starting positions. If you land on a space occupied by another player’s peg, you send it back to start. This can create dramatic shifts in the game’s progress and adds to the tension and excitement.
Here are some key rules to remember during gameplay:
- You can only move one peg per turn
- If you can’t move any pegs, you forfeit your turn
- Pegs sent back to start must roll a six to re-enter the board
- Rolling a six always grants an extra turn
Winning the Game
The objective of Frustration is to be the first player to move all four of your pegs around the board and into the Finish space. This race to the finish can be intense, with players jockeying for position and trying to block each other’s progress.
The game doesn’t end when the first player finishes, though. Play continues until all but one player has moved their pegs to the Finish space. This allows for some exciting comebacks and strategic play even in the late stages of the game.
Frustration lives up to its name, offering a mix of luck and strategy that can lead to both triumphant victories and agonizing defeats. Its simple rules and engaging gameplay make it a perfect choice for family game nights or casual get-togethers with friends.
Sources:
Gamer Rules
Board Game Geek