Trouble, a classic game beloved by families and casual gamers alike, is an exciting mix of luck and strategy. Released by Milton Bradley (now owned by Hasbro) in 1965, Trouble is known for its iconic “Pop-O-Matic” dice roller, which adds to the fun and unpredictability of each turn. If you’re new to the game or looking for a refresher, understanding the rules of Trouble the board game can help make your gameplay more strategic and enjoyable.
In this article, we’ll break down the rules of Trouble the board game step-by-step, ensuring you grasp the essentials while maximizing your chances of winning.
Objective of Trouble the Board Game
The main objective of Trouble is straightforward: be the first player to move all four of your pieces around the board and into your “Finish” area. The journey is not without its challenges, as other players can bump your pieces back to the start if they land on the same space as one of your pieces. Understanding how to navigate the board and use the rules of Trouble to your advantage is key to securing a win.
Setting Up Trouble
Before you start playing, make sure you set up the board correctly. Here’s how:
- Choose Your Color: Trouble is typically played with 2-4 players, with each player choosing one of the four colors—red, blue, green, or yellow.
- Place the Pieces: Each player takes four matching-colored pegs and places them in their respective “Home” spaces at the corner of the board.
- Pop the Die: Place the Trouble board in the center. The middle contains the iconic Pop-O-Matic dome, which houses the die. This ensures every player can pop the dome on their turn to roll the die.
The Pop-O-Matic Dice Roller
One of the most unique elements of the rules of Trouble the board game is the Pop-O-Matic dice roller. Instead of rolling a die by hand, you press down on the plastic dome, which “pops” the die inside and rolls it. This mechanism adds excitement to the game and guarantees that no dice get lost during gameplay.
Rules of Trouble the Board Game: How to Play
Step 1: Rolling a Six to Start
To move your pegs from your “Home” to the board, you must roll a 6 on the die using the Pop-O-Matic. This is one of the most important rules of Trouble because until you roll a 6, your pieces cannot leave the “Home” base. Once you roll a 6:
- You move one of your pieces from “Home” onto the starting space.
- After rolling a 6, you also get an extra turn.
Step 2: Moving Around the Board
Once a piece is on the board, each player moves their pieces according to the number they roll with the Pop-O-Matic. The movement is clockwise around the board along the path of spaces that lead to the “Finish” area. For instance, if you roll a 4, you would move your peg forward four spaces.
Important Considerations:
- You can only move one piece per turn.
- If you have more than one piece on the board, you’ll need to decide which one to move, depending on your strategy.
Step 3: Landing on Opponents’ Pieces
One of the key elements of the rules of Trouble the board game is what happens when you land on a space occupied by an opponent’s piece:
- Bumping: If you land on an opponent’s piece, you bump their piece back to their “Home,” forcing them to restart that peg’s journey.
- Safe Spaces: There are no official “safe spaces” in Trouble, so you always run the risk of getting bumped back to the start.
This mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy. You must decide whether to advance your piece at the risk of being bumped or play more conservatively to avoid opponents.
Special Trouble Rules to Remember
Rolling a Six Gives You Another Turn
If you roll a 6, not only do you move a piece, but you also get another chance to roll. This can lead to powerful combos where you move multiple pieces out of “Home” or make significant progress in one turn. Keep in mind, though, that rolling multiple sixes consecutively might bring unwanted attention from your opponents, who will be eager to bump your pieces.
You Must Move if You Can
If any of your pieces can legally move forward based on the dice roll, you are required to move them. This rule prevents players from holding back strategically in the hopes of avoiding opponents. Even if moving means potentially getting bumped, you cannot skip a turn or refuse to move.
Getting All Pieces to the Finish
The final goal is to move all your pieces from your start point around the board and into your “Finish” area. Once you have successfully moved a piece into the “Finish” area, it can no longer be bumped by opponents, and it stays there for the rest of the game.
Strategic Tips for Winning Trouble
Understanding the rules of Trouble the board game is just the first step. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of winning:
- Get All Your Pieces Out Early: While you need to roll a 6 to move your pieces out of “Home,” try to get as many pieces onto the board as soon as possible. This gives you more flexibility in your turns and makes it harder for opponents to block or bump all your pieces at once.
- Prioritize Bumping Opponents: If given the chance, bump your opponents’ pieces back to “Home” whenever possible. This delays their progress significantly and increases your odds of winning.
- Balance Risk and Reward: There’s always a balance between advancing quickly and staying safe. Don’t take unnecessary risks by placing your pieces too close to opponents who are likely to bump you. Play it safe when necessary but don’t be afraid to strike when the moment is right.
- Maximize Rolling a Six: Every time you roll a 6, you get another turn. Use this opportunity to either get more pieces onto the board or advance key pieces further along the track.
Variations of Trouble the Board Game
Over the years, Trouble has seen several variations, each adding its own twist to the classic gameplay:
1. Double Trouble
Double Trouble adds a second die to the mix, making the game even more unpredictable and increasing the speed of the game. The rules remain largely the same but having two dice adds more opportunities for movement and more frequent sixes.
2. Trouble: Disney Editions
Hasbro has released several themed versions of Trouble, including Star Wars and Frozen editions, which introduce characters and design changes but maintain the core rules of Trouble the board game. These versions often appeal to younger audiences and fans of the specific franchises.
3. Travel Trouble
This portable version of Trouble makes it easy to take on trips. The gameplay and rules stay the same, but the board is compact and designed for portability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trouble
1. What happens if I can’t move any of my pieces?
If you have no legal moves (such as all your pieces being in “Home” or your available piece being blocked), you lose that turn and must wait for the next round.
2. Can I land on my own pieces?
No, you cannot land on your own pieces. If the number you roll would place you on a space occupied by one of your own pieces, you must either move a different piece or forfeit that move.
3. How do you win in Trouble?
To win, you must be the first player to move all four of your pieces into your “Finish” area. Remember that all pieces must move around the board completely and land in the “Finish” area based on an exact roll.
Final Thoughts
Learning the rules of Trouble the board game can turn a simple game into a competitive and fun experience for all ages. Whether you’re bumping opponents back to “Home” or carefully advancing your pieces around the board, Trouble offers a mix of strategy and luck that keeps players engaged. Understanding how to use the Pop-O-Matic, balance risk, and maximize movement can greatly improve your chances of winning. So gather your friends or family, pop the die, and let the fun begin!
