Frustration, a classic board game known for its iconic Pop-O-Matic die roller, offers a blend of luck and strategy. This family-friendly racing game, also called Trouble in the US and Kimble in Finland, challenges players to navigate their pegs around the board while sending opponents back to the start.
Key Takeaways:
- Designed for 2-4 players, ages 5 and up
- Features a unique Pop-O-Matic die-rolling mechanism
- Players must roll a six to move pegs from the starting position
- Landing on an opponent’s peg sends it back to start
- The first player to move all four pegs to the Finish space wins
Game Components and Setup
Frustration comes with a circular game board, 16 colored pegs (four each in red, yellow, green, and blue), and the signature Pop-O-Matic bubble containing a six-sided die. To begin, each player places their four pegs in the assigned starting positions on the board.
The game’s setup is straightforward, making it accessible for players of all ages. Once the pegs are in place, players take turns pressing the Pop-O-Matic to roll the die, aiming to get a six to move their first peg onto the board.

Gameplay Mechanics
On each turn, players press the Pop-O-Matic to roll the die. The number rolled determines how many spaces a player can move one of their pegs. Strategic decisions come into play when choosing which peg to move or whether to bring a new peg onto the board.
A key element of Frustration is the ability to send opponents’ pegs back to their starting positions by landing on them. This adds an exciting twist to the game, as players must balance advancing their own pegs with hindering their opponents’ progress.
Rolling a six grants an extra turn, allowing players to potentially make significant progress in a single round. This rule adds an element of excitement and can quickly change the game’s dynamics.
Winning the Game
The objective of Frustration is to be the first player to move all four pegs into the Finish space. This requires a combination of lucky rolls and smart decision-making. The game ends when one player successfully places all their pegs in the Finish area.
While luck plays a significant role, there are strategic elements to consider. Players must decide whether to focus on moving one peg at a time or spreading their moves across multiple pegs. They also need to weigh the risks of leaving pegs vulnerable to being sent back against the potential gains of aggressive play.
Game Variations
Some versions of Frustration include additional elements to spice up the gameplay. For example, the Genie die variant introduces a special die that can make a player’s peg immune to being sent back. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Other variations might include different board layouts or special spaces that trigger unique actions. These variations keep the game fresh and engaging for regular players while maintaining its core simplicity.
Enduring Popularity
Frustration has remained popular since its release due to its simple yet engaging gameplay. The Pop-O-Matic die roller, in particular, has become an iconic feature that adds a tactile and auditory element to the game experience.
The game’s accessibility makes it a favorite for family game nights, while its element of chance ensures that players of different skill levels can compete on relatively even footing. This balance of simplicity and excitement has helped Frustration maintain its place as a beloved classic in the board game world.
Sources:
The Solo Meeple Blog
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