Frustration, a classic board game, challenges players to navigate their pegs around a circular track while overcoming obstacles. The game’s unique Pop-O-Matic die container adds an element of chance and excitement, making it a favorite among families and friends looking for a fun, competitive experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Designed for 2 to 4 players, ages 6 and up
- Features a circular board with starting and finishing areas
- Players must roll a six to enter the game
- Landing on an opponent’s peg sends it back to the starting position
- First player to move all four pegs to the Finish space wins
Setting Up Frustration: Game Components and Preparation
Frustration is a board game that’s easy to set up and challenges players’ strategic thinking. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, making it perfect for small gatherings. The main components include a circular game board with starting and finishing areas, four pegs per player in different colors (red, yellow, green, and blue), and the iconic Pop-O-Matic die container.
To begin, players choose their colors and place their pegs in the assigned starting positions. The Pop-O-Matic die container, which houses a six-sided die, is placed in the center of the board. This unique feature adds an element of excitement to the game, as players press down on the plastic dome to “pop” the die and determine their moves.

Getting Started: Rolling to Enter the Game
The game begins with players attempting to get their pegs onto the main track. To do this, each player must roll a six using the Pop-O-Matic die container. This initial roll determines who can start moving their pegs around the board. When a player rolls a six, they get to move one of their pegs from the starting position onto the first space of the main track. As a bonus, rolling a six also grants the player an additional turn.
This process continues until all players have successfully rolled a six and moved at least one peg onto the board. The excitement builds as players eagerly await their chance to join the race, adding to the game’s namesake feeling of frustration.
Gameplay and Movement Rules
Once all players have entered the game, the real fun begins. Players take turns rolling the die and moving their pegs the corresponding number of spaces around the circular track. It’s important to note that players can only move pegs that are already on the board, except when rolling a six.
One of the most engaging aspects of Frustration is the ability to interact with other players’ pegs. If a player lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s peg, they send that peg back to its starting position. This adds a competitive element to the game and can lead to some exciting twists and turns. Pegs that are sent back must once again roll a six to re-enter the game, potentially setting players back in their quest for victory.
Winning the Game: Race to the Finish
The ultimate goal in Frustration is to be the first player to move all four of their pegs around the board and into the Finish space. This race to the finish creates an atmosphere of excitement and tension as players strive to outpace their opponents while avoiding setbacks.
Remember, even if a player is close to winning, a single unlucky move can send their peg back to the starting position, requiring them to roll another six to re-enter. This element of chance keeps the game unpredictable and engaging until the very end.
Frustration is a family-friendly game suitable for ages six and up. Its simple rules and exciting gameplay make it an excellent choice for game nights, providing hours of entertainment for players of all ages. The combination of strategy, luck, and player interaction ensures that no two games are ever quite the same, keeping players coming back for more.
Sources:
Gamerules.com
Boardgamehalv.com