The Game of Frustration has long been a family favorite, involving a mix of strategy, luck, and lots of fun. Famous for its dicing popping mechanic, as well as competitive play, Frustration is simple to learn, though hard to master. So if you’re new to the game (or just need a refresher), read on for a complete beginner’s walkthrough of how to play Frustration, including setup and winning strategies. Let’s dive in!
What is Frustration the Board Game?
Frustration (also known as Trouble in some regions) is a 2-4 player board game. Your aim is to get all your pieces around the board and into your “Home” space before your opponents do. The game includes the Pop-O-Matic dice roller, a dome at the center of the board that entertains with every roll.
What You’ll Need to Play
PrerequisitesBefore you begin, ensure you have the following:
A game board from Frustration (with the Pop-O-Matic dice roller).
4 each in 4 different colors.
1 piece of paper listed instructions ( in case you want to look back at the rules)
2–4 players (best with friends or family).
Setting Up the Game
Set Up the Board:
Lie the game board on a flat surface easily accessible to all players.
Step 1:
Choose Your Color Each player chooses a color and picks up all four playing pieces of that color.
Place Your Pieces:
Place all four of your pieces in the “Start” section of your color.
Set Up the Pop-O-Matic:
Make sure the Pop-O-Matic dice roller in the center of the board is positioned correctly.
Determine the First Player
On their turn, each player presses the Pop-O-Matic dice roller to roll the die.
Play starts with the player who has the highest number. In the case of a tie, those players roll again.
Roll the Die
When it’s your turn, press the Pop-O-Matic dome to roll the die. What is rolled determines how far a player can move one of their pieces.
Move Your Pieces
You can only move a piece out of the “Start” area if you roll a 6.
When you land a six, you can move a new piece out of “Start,” or you can move an existing piece on the board.)
You can only move a piece already on the board unless you roll a 6.
Navigate the Board
Guided by the color of your pieces, move them clockwise around the board.
If you land on a space already occupied by a piece belonging to your opponent, you send that piece back to their “Start” area. This is called a “capture.”
Landing on a space occupied by one of your own pieces forms a “block.” You cannot land on or pass a block if you are an opponent.
Enter the Home Stretch
To move a piece into your “Home” space, you have to roll the exact number needed to land on it.
So for example, if your piece is 3 spaces away from “Home,” you must roll a 3 to move it in.
Win the Game
The game is won by the first player to move all four of their pieces into their “Home” space.
Special Rules and Tips
Follow these tips and rules to maximize your Frustration skills:
Double Trouble
As you roll a 6, you have another turn. Roll until you stop rolling 6s!
Safe Spaces
Certain squares on the board are labeled “Safe.” Opponents cannot capture pieces on these spaces.
Blocking Strategy
Use your pieces to make blocks and limit your opponents. This can provide you with a huge advantage.
Prioritize Pieces
Concentrate on advancing one or two pieces at a time instead of distributing your moves over all four. That broadens your shot of getting a piece home quickly.
What do I do if I roll a number higher than that needed to get to “Home”?
If you roll a number higher than it takes to reach a given piece, you cannot move that piece. You need to roll the exact number to land “Home.”
Can I pass my own pieces?
Yes, you can play your own pieces, you just can not land on them unless you make a block.
What if you get stuck with the Pop-O-Matic dice roller?
It will be stuck to the surface of the board or come loose the die: Shake gently or hit the dome again.
Why is Frustration a Great Game for Everyone
Frustration isn’t just a game it’s a great family fun game. Here’s the scoop on why it’s popular with everyone from kindergarteners to grandparents:
Simplicity to Learn:
The rules are simple enough for beginner.
Pop-O-Matic:
The unique Pop-O-Matic dice roller that makes the gameplay exciting.
Family-Friendly:
A fun experience you can enjoy with people of all ages.
Playtime Quickness:
20-30 min games makes it ideal for a quick play session.
I shall now launch into
Some advice on how to host a night of enjoyment-punishing frustration games.
If you’re aiming to host an even more fun game night, here are some ways to take it to the next level:
Get Comfy:
Have lots of snacks and drinks on hand and the right background music to set the mood.
Explain the Rules:
If you have some new players to the game, take a few precious minutes to go over the rules.
Approach It Playfully:
Frustration is supposed to be a blast, so don’t take it too seriously.
Final Thoughts
Frustration is a classic board game that features elements of both luck and strategy, and it is just so much fun! Whether you’re playing alongside friends, family, or kids, it’s sure to bring a cackle (or two) and some friendly competition to your table. Armed with this beginner’s guide, you are now prepared to set up the board, roll the die, and play. The secret to victory is all about strategy, a little bit of waiting, and even more luck. So, round up your family, smash that Pop-O-Matic dome and let’s start the fun!
