Frustration is a high-energy race game designed for 2 to 4 players in which luck and a little bit of strategy are utilized. It is also known as Trouble or Kimble in some regions. Its most famous feature is the Pop-O-Matic dice roller, a clear plastic dome that keeps the die from getting lost and gives every turn a satisfying “pop”.
Frustration Components
You will need the game board, 16 plastic pegs (4 of each color), and the famous Pop-O-Matic dice roller, which is a plastic bubble in the center that holds the die.
Frustration Rule
- The goal of the Frustration game is to be the first to get all four of your pegs from the starting area around the board and into your home or finish zone.
- Players take turns pressing the Pop-O-Matic to roll the die and move their pegs.
- The first player to successfully move all their pegs into the finish area wins the game.
How to Play Frustration Board Game
- To start a match, you need 2 to 4 players, and it is generally recommended for individuals aged five or six and up.
- The game comes with a special board, 16 pegs (four each of red, yellow, green, and blue), and the built-in Pop-O-Matic bubble.
- Players should sit around a flat surface so everyone can easily reach the dice roller and see the board clearly.
Setup
Each player chooses a color and takes the four pegs of that color. All players then place their four pegs in their assigned starting positions or home zone on the board. The youngest player usually goes first, and play proceeds clockwise around the board.
Starting
A player must roll a six using the Pop-O-Matic to get a peg out of the starting position and onto the main track. Once a six is rolled, the player can move one of their pegs onto their designated starting square on the main track. In some versions, if a player rolls a one, other players may be able to move a piece out of their home.
Taking Turns
On each turn, a player presses the Pop-O-Matic once to roll the die. If they have any pegs on the main track, they must move one of those pegs forward in a clockwise direction according to the number rolled. If a player rolls a six, they usually get an additional turn.
Gameplay
A key element of gameplay is capturing opponents’ pieces. If your peg lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s peg, their peg is sent back to their starting area. The bumped player must then roll a six again to re-enter the game.
In the opposite case, if an opponent lands on your starting space while you have a piece there, your piece is also sent back to your home.
Entering the Finish Zone
As your pegs approach their finish zone (the four spaces of your color leading to the final “home” space), they move up into it instead of continuing around the main track. To move a peg into the final home space, you need an exact role that matches the number of spaces left to move.
Scoring
Frustration does not use a traditional point system to track progress during the game. Instead, the “score” is simply how many pegs you have managed to move into your final home area. The first person to reach four pegs in their finish zone is the winner.
Winning
Winning requires a mix of lucky rolls and smart choices about which peg to move. You are declared the winner when your fourth and final peg lands in its designated space based on an exact roll. Other players can continue to play to see who takes second or third place.
Variations Of The Frustration Board Game
Drinking Rules
Adult players sometimes add rules where you take a sip if you roll a one or a shot if your peg is sent back to the start.
Double Trouble
Some boards feature “Double Trouble” spaces that allow you to roll again or “Warp Spaces” that let you jump across the board.
The Friendly “1” Rule
In this version, if you roll a one, every other player gets to move a peg out of their home area for free.
Genie Version
Some editions include “Genie” pieces that can protect your pegs from being bumped or offer other special movement bonuses.
Conclusion
Frustration is a common activity for family game nights because it is simple to learn and remains totally unpredictable. The combination of the “pop” sound and the competitive nature of bumping opponents makes it a delightful way to enjoy time with friends. Whether you win or lose, the excitement of the race keeps players coming back for more.
Is Frustration the same game as Trouble?
Yes, they are essentially the same game! It is widely known as Trouble in the United States, while it is often called Frustration in the UK and Kimble in Finland.
What happens if anyone rolls a 1?
In the standard rules, a roll of one simply moves your peg forward one space.
How many people can play at once?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players. This makes it a perfect choice for small groups or families looking for a quick and engaging activity.
Can you move a peg without rolling a six?
Yes, but only if you already have a peg on the board. Rolling a six is only required to bring a new peg out of the “Home” area and onto the track. Once a peg is in play, you can move it with any roll
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