Aggravation is an exciting and engaging board game that can be enjoyed by two to six players.
If you are looking for a classic board game to enjoy during your fun family game night, Aggravation is an excellent choice.
Find the video tutorial and written explanation for how to play the Aggravation board game below.
Aggravation Tutorial
Needed
The Aggravation game board, 4 marbles of a chosen color per player, a six-sided die
Setup
To set up the game, follow these simple steps:
Each player selects a color and places their four marble pieces into their matching color base. The base is the starting point for all marbles.
To determine the first player, have each player roll the die. The player who rolls the highest number gets the privilege of taking the first turn in the gameplay.
Objective
The object of the game is to be the first player to successfully move all four of your marbles from your base to your home.
This may sound straightforward, but it requires strategy, luck, and a keen understanding of the game's rules.
Gameplay
The player with the highest die roll during setup will play first in the game. To get your marbles into play, you need to roll a one or a six with your die roll.
These numbers allow you to move a marble out of the base and onto the start space. If you roll a six, you also earn an extra turn.
Once your marble is on the start space, you can move it in a clockwise direction around the board based on the number rolled on the die.
Players take turns rolling the die and moving a marble the number of spaces equal to the die roll number.
Rules
To navigate the Aggravation game board effectively, keep these rules in mind:
Count each space when moving a marble, whether it is empty or occupied by an opponent's marble.
You can jump over opponents' marbles.
If your marble lands on an opponent's marble by an exact count, the opponent's marble is "aggravated" and must be returned to its base row.
You cannot land on or jump your own marbles, so be mindful of their positions.
Shortcut Spaces
The Aggravation board game features shortcuts that can help you progress faster:
A marble follows the blue path clockwise around the board when moving unless a shortcut can be taken.
When a player lands a marble on a star space by an exact count, it can move clockwise around the star spaces on the player's next turn. You can exit the star spaces onto the blue path at any point.
A marble can move to the center of the board into the center space by an exact count for a super shortcut. To exit the center space, you must roll a one on a future turn. You can exit the center space to any star space.
Remember, marbles can still be aggravated even when in star spaces or the center space if landed on by exact number.
Winning
The key to winning Aggravation is to move your marbles into your home spaces. Once a marble is in its home spaces, it is safe from being aggravated.
However, there is a catch – marbles must fill the home spaces by an exact count. You still cannot jump your own marbles, even in your home spaces. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the endgame.
If you find yourself unable to make a legal marble move during your turn, your turn ends without making any progress and play moves to the next player.
The first player to successfully get all four marble pieces into their home spaces emerges as the victorious player.
Strategy
In Aggravation, success hinges on a delicate balance between strategy and chance. A well-thought-out strategy can give you the upper hand, but you must remain adaptable in the face of unpredictable dice rolls.
One key tactic is to prioritize getting all four of your own marbles into play swiftly by rolling ones or sixes, increasing your chances of gaining an extra turn.
Once your own marbles are on the board, consider forming alliances or temporary truces with other players to protect your won marbles and disrupt your opponents' progress.
Use shortcuts and super shortcuts wisely, aiming to move your own marbles strategically along the game board and avoid potential aggravations.
Keeping your own marbles close to home initially can reduce the risk of them being sent back to their starting position when an opponent lands on them.
Ultimately, in the Aggravation game, strategy involves a combination of calculated moves and opportunistic plays, making each game a thrilling and dynamic experience.
Aggravation is a delightful classic board game that combines strategy, luck, and a touch of frustration as you strive to outmaneuver your opponents and get your marbles safely home.
Now that you understand the official rules, gather your friends and family, and embark on an exciting journey of Aggravation.
May the best strategist win, and remember to stay sharp to avoid getting aggravated along the way!
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