Looking for clear and concise Sorry board game directions? Whether you're new to the game or need a quick refresher, this guide simplifies everything from setup to special moves. Discover how to draw cards, move pawns, use slides, and win effectively.
Game Setup
Game Board Layout
The Sorry! game is played on a square board featuring a continuous track that loops around the outer edge. Each side of the board is assigned to one of four player colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. Each color has a “Start” space, a matching “Home” space, and a “Safety Zone” leading to Home. In the center of the board is a decorative area that doesn’t affect gameplay.
The track includes standard spaces, slide areas marked with arrows, and colored entry points for each player's Safety Zone. Slides are color-coded and can only be used by opponents, not by the player of the matching color.
Number of Pawns per Player
Each player receives four pawns of their chosen color. These pawns begin in the matching "Start" area located directly off the board. The objective is to move all four pawns from Start to Home by navigating around the board using the draw deck.
The game accommodates 2 to 4 players. In games with fewer than four players, unused pawn sets are simply left out.
Cards and Their Functions
Sorry! does not use dice. Instead, players use a deck of 45 cards that determine movement. Each card has a number (1 through 12, excluding 6 and 9 to avoid confusion), and some cards have special rules:
- 1: Move a pawn from Start or move one space forward.
- 2: Move a pawn from Start or move two spaces forward. Draw again.
- 3, 5, 8, 12: Move forward the indicated number of spaces.
- 4: Move backward four spaces.
- 7: Split a move between two pawns (e.g., one pawn moves 3, another moves 4).
- 10: Move forward 10 spaces or backward 1 space.
- 11: Move 11 spaces forward or switch places with an opponent's pawn.
- Sorry!: Move a pawn from Start and replace an opponent's pawn on the board, sending it back to Start.
Cards are drawn one at a time from the deck on each turn. The draw pile is reshuffled when all cards have been used.
Setting Up Player Positions
To begin the game:
- Each player selects a color and takes the four matching pawns.
- Place all four pawns in the respective Start area.
- Shuffle the card deck and place it face down within reach of all players.
- Choose a player to go first. Play proceeds in a clockwise direction.
It's important to note that pawns can only leave the Start area by drawing specific cards (1, 2, or Sorry!). Players may not move pawns out of Start using any other card. As a result, the early game often involves waiting for a qualifying card to begin moving pawns onto the board.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Starting the Game
To begin a game of Sorry!, each player selects a color and takes four matching pawns. These pawns are placed in that color’s Start area on the board. The deck of Sorry! cards is shuffled and placed face down in the center of the board. The youngest player typically goes first, and play proceeds clockwise.
Only by drawing specific cards—namely, a 1 or a 2—can a player move a pawn out of their Start area and onto the board. If you draw a 1 or 2, you move a pawn from Start to the first colored square on the track. Drawing a 2 also allows you to draw another card and take a second turn immediately.
Drawing Cards
Instead of rolling dice, movement in Sorry! is determined by drawing cards. On your turn, you draw the top card from the draw pile and follow the instructions. After playing the card, discard it face up next to the draw pile, forming a discard pile. If the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discard pile to form a new one.
Each card has specific instructions and a designated number, which dictates how many spaces a pawn may move. Some cards allow backward movement or special actions like switching places with an opponent or bumping their pawn back to Start.
Moving Pawns
Pawns can only begin moving from Start after a player draws a 1 or a 2. Once on the board, pawns move forward according to the number on the card drawn. A pawn may not pass or land on a space already occupied by another pawn of the same color. However, if a pawn lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s pawn, it bumps that pawn back to its Start area.
Players must always make a legal move if one is available. If no legal move can be made with the current card, the turn ends and the next player draws.
Basic Movement Rules
- Only one pawn may occupy a space at a time.
- You cannot land on your own pawn or jump over it.
- If a card allows you to move and you cannot do so legally, you forfeit your turn.
- If a pawn lands on a space at the beginning of a slide of a different color, it must slide to the end, bumping any other pawns on the slide back to their respective Starts.
- Pawns cannot enter the Safety Zone of another player.
- Once inside your own Safety Zone, pawns can only move forward using exact counts. Overshooting the Home space means the pawn stays where it is.
Understanding "Sorry!" Cards
The "Sorry!" card is one of the most iconic features of the game. When drawn, instead of moving a pawn already on the board, the player uses a pawn from Start to replace any opponent’s pawn already in play, sending that pawn back to its Start area. If the player has no pawns in Start, the Sorry! card cannot be used and is discarded.
This card introduces an element of surprise and strategy, allowing players to disrupt their opponents’ progress while advancing their own. It’s a powerful tool, especially when used against a pawn near Home.
Understanding these basic rules and movement mechanics is essential for playing Sorry! effectively and enjoying the competitive spirit of the game.
Sorry! Card Rules
In the game of Sorry!, players draw from a deck of cards that dictate their possible moves. Each card has a specific action or movement associated with it, and understanding these is crucial to mastering the game. Here's a breakdown of the special card actions and how they impact gameplay:
- 🃏 1 Card: Move one of your pawns from Start or move a pawn forward 1 space.
- 🃏 2 Card: Move a pawn from Start or move one pawn forward 2 spaces. Draw again after this move.
- 🃏 3 Card: Move a pawn forward 3 spaces.
- 🃏 4 Card: Move a pawn backward 4 spaces.
- 🃏 5 Card: Move a pawn forward 5 spaces.
- 🃏 7 Card: Move a pawn forward 7 spaces, or split the move between two pawns (e.g., 4 spaces for one, 3 for another). You cannot use a split move to get a pawn out of Start.
- 🃏 8 Card: Move a pawn forward 8 spaces.
- 🃏 10 Card: Move a pawn forward 10 spaces or backward 1 space.
- 🃏 11 Card: Move a pawn forward 11 spaces or switch places with any one opponent's pawn (you cannot switch with a pawn in a safety zone or home).
- 🃏 12 Card: Move a pawn forward 12 spaces.
- 🃏 Sorry! Card: Take one of your pawns from Start and replace any one opponent’s pawn on the board, sending that opponent's pawn back to their Start. You must have a pawn in Start to use this card.
Understanding when and how to use these cards is essential for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Switching Pawns
The 11 card allows a player to switch one of their active pawns with an opponent’s pawn. This can be used to strategically displace a threatening pawn or to advance your own pawn closer to home. Keep in mind:
- You cannot switch with a pawn that is in its safety zone or already in home.
- The switch must be made; you cannot opt to move forward 11 spaces if a valid switch is possible and chosen.
Using this card effectively can dramatically shift the momentum of the game.
Sliding Mechanics
The board features several colored slide areas. If a pawn lands exactly at the triangle marking the start of a slide of a different color, it slides to the end of that track, knocking off any opponent pawns along the way. Key rules include:
- You can only slide on slides of a color different from your pawn.
- Pawns already in the middle of a slide cannot slide again.
- Only the pawn that lands on the triangle can initiate a slide.
Slides are powerful tools to leap ahead and disrupt opponents.
Backward Movements
Although most cards move pawns forward, some (like the 4 and the 10 card) allow or require backward movement. This can be strategically useful:
- Backing into a slide trigger zone to activate it.
- Setting up a pawn to enter the safety zone on a future turn.
- Avoiding a confrontation or potential capture.
Backward moves might seem counterintuitive, but in the right context, they can offer significant advantages.
Safety Zones
Each player has a color-coded safety zone leading to their home. Key characteristics of safety zones include:
- Only pawns of the corresponding color may enter their safety zone.
- Once inside, pawns are safe from being bumped or switched.
- Movement into the safety zone must be exact—if you overshoot, you cannot enter.
Strategically timing your entry into the safety zone is crucial for securing victory while avoiding unnecessary exposure to opponent attacks.
Gameplay Strategy
Choosing Which Pawn to Move
One of the key strategic decisions in Sorry! is selecting which pawn to move on each turn. Since players typically have multiple pawns in play, choosing the optimal one to advance can make a significant difference. Considerations include:
- Position on the board: Moving a pawn closer to home may be the best way to win, but sometimes it's more advantageous to move a pawn that could block an opponent or set up a slide.
- Safety: Moving a pawn into the safety zone protects it from being sent back to start.
- Blocking: You can use a pawn to block opponents from using slides or reaching key positions.
Strategically alternating between your pawns ensures balanced progress and reduces the risk of having all pawns vulnerable at once.
Using Slides Effectively
Slides are powerful tools that can rapidly advance your position and hinder opponents. Here's how to use them strategically:
- Land on the start of a slide that matches your color (or any color if your pawn is not the same color as the slide) to activate it. You’ll slide forward and knock off any opposing pawns along the way.
- Avoid ending your turn on your own color slide, as it won’t activate.
- Use slides to send opponents back to start when they’re clustered on the board.
- Plan moves ahead so that you can land on a slide start with a future turn.
Timing slide usage well can dramatically alter the state of the game in your favor.
When to Split Moves
The 7 card allows players to split the move between two pawns, and this offers a unique strategic opportunity. Best practices include:
- Advancing two pawns simultaneously toward home.
- Using part of the 7 to enter a pawn into the safety zone while using the remainder to block or slide.
- Splitting the move to avoid landing on a vulnerable spot or to displace an opponent.
Always split in a way that maximizes total forward progression with minimal exposure to risk.
Defensive vs Offensive Play
Balancing offensive and defensive tactics is essential in Sorry!:
- Offensive strategies involve displacing opponents, using the Sorry! card aggressively, and taking control of slides.
- Defensive tactics focus on protecting your pawns, entering the safety zone, and avoiding risky spaces.
Adapt your playstyle depending on your current position on the board. Early in the game, offensive play may help gain a lead. As you get closer to bringing all pawns home, shift to a more defensive strategy.
Managing the Sorry! Card
The Sorry! card is one of the most powerful in the deck. It lets you remove an opponent’s pawn from the board and replace it with one of your pawns from start. Strategic use includes:
- Targeting opponents who are close to reaching home.
- Removing blockers or players occupying key slide or start positions.
- Re-introducing a pawn from start in a more advanced position.
However, use it wisely—once played, you lose the opportunity to use it later when it might be more impactful.
Positioning and Timing
Good timing is critical in Sorry! strategy. Consider:
- Waiting to use a slide until an opponent is in the path.
- Holding back a pawn near home to avoid being bumped by an opponent’s move.
- Delaying entry into the board when several opponent pawns are clustered near your start area.
By thinking a few moves ahead and keeping track of cards that have been played, you can make smarter decisions that increase your odds of winning.
Winning the Game
Getting Pawns Home
In Sorry!, the primary objective is to move all four of your pawns from the Start area to your designated Home space on the board. Each player has a color-coded path that leads from their Start to their Home, including a unique Safety Zone near the end of the track. A pawn must travel the entire distance around the board and enter the Safety Zone before reaching Home.
To enter the Home space, pawns must move the exact number of spaces required. If a player draws a card with a number higher than the spaces remaining to Home, the pawn cannot move. In this case, the player must either move a different pawn or forfeit the turn if no legal moves are available.
Players may only enter the Safety Zone if the movement is in the forward direction and the pawn has passed its own colored Start area.
Final Scoring
Sorry! is not a points-based game, so there is no scoring system used to determine the winner. Instead, the game is won through completion of a specific goal — getting all your pawns Home. There's no need to track scores or add up points; the winner is simply the first player to successfully navigate all four pawns into their Home zone.
Victory Conditions
Victory in Sorry! is achieved when a player has all four of their pawns safely in their Home space. This must be done through legal moves, according to the card instructions and movement rules. A player cannot win by moving a pawn into Home through an illegal move or by ignoring the exact-count rule.
Once a player has all four pawns Home, the game ends immediately, and that player is declared the winner. There is no requirement for other players to finish the game or determine second or third places unless playing by special house rules.
In some variations or house rules, players may continue to play for ranking, but in the official Sorry! rules, only the first player to get all pawns Home is recognized as the winner.
Now that you understand the full scope of Sorry board game directions, you’re ready to play with confidence. Remember to use both offensive and defensive moves, time your slides and Sorry! cards strategically, and aim for exact counts to get your pawns safely home. Follow these instructions and you'll not only understand how to play—you'll enjoy every move of this classic family game.