Objective of the Game
Petits chevaux is a classic board game where players race their horses around the board to be the first to bring all their horses into their "stable". It's a simple game often played by children and families.
Game Components
- A game board with a circular track and individual start and finish areas for each player
- A set of dice (usually six-sided)
- Each player has a set of horse pieces (typically four)
Setup
- Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding horse pieces.
- The horse pieces are placed in the start area.
- Determine who will roll first (commonly the youngest player).
Game Rules
- Players take turns rolling the dice and moving their horses according to the number rolled.
- Starting: To bring a horse into play, the player must roll a 6. A 6 lets you move a horse out of the start area onto the start square.
- Movement: Once in play, the horse moves clockwise around the board according to the dice roll.
- Winning Condition: A horse that completes a full lap can move into the "stable", provided the exact dice roll needed to enter is achieved.
- Capture: Landing on a square occupied by an opponent's horse sends that horse back to its start area.
Special Rules and Nuances
- Rolling a 6: Rolling a 6 grants an extra turn. This rule can be used strategically to advance quickly or bring more horses into play.
- Exact Finish: Players must use their dice roll precisely to move into the "stable", which sometimes requires strategic holding back or calculated risks.
Strategic Tips
- Risk vs. Safety: Having multiple horses on the track can be risky, as any horse can be sent back by opponents.
- Blocking: Players can use their pieces to block key spaces and hinder other players.
Petits chevaux is a game that blends luck with a hint of strategy, perfect for fun family evenings.
