Objective of the Game
Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese dice board game, where the objective is to be the first player to reach the end of the board. There are two principal variants of Sugoroku: "Ban-sugoroku" (similar to Western Backgammon) and "E-Sugoroku" (a simple race game akin to "Snakes and Ladders"). This guide focuses on E-Sugoroku due to its simplicity.
Game Components
- A board divided into spaces, often with vibrant illustrations.
- Pieces for each player.
- At least one die.
Setup
- Each player selects a color for their piece(s).
- The pieces are placed on the starting space of the board.
- Decide the order of play, usually by rolling the die, with the highest roll going first.
Gameplay
- Players take turns rolling the die and moving their piece forward according to the number rolled.
- If a player lands on a special space (noted by symbols or illustrations), they must follow the instructions indicated on the space. Examples include:
- Move forward or backward a certain number of spaces.
- Roll again.
- Miss a turn.
- The goal is to roll the exact number needed to land on the final space. If a player rolls more than needed, they must backtrack by the excess amount.
Special Features and Strategic Insights
- Return to Start: Some spaces may send players back to the start, often adding to the game's excitement.
- Careful Counting: Precise counting to avoid landing on negative spaces or overshooting can be advantageous.
Winning
The first player to reach the final space, without exceeding it, wins the game.
Sugoroku blends strategy and luck, making it ideal for fun in a group setting. The rules are straightforward, but the small tactical elements involved with moving on to special spaces add interesting twists.
