Mensch ärgere Dich nicht: Rules & How-to Guide

Introduction

As a board and card game enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity and playing of games from around the world. One game that has particularly caught my attention is Mensch ärgere Dich nicht, a German board game that has been a staple in many households for over a century. The name of the game translates to “Man, don’t get annoyed,” which is a fitting title given the game’s potential for competitive play and strategic maneuvering, plus the frequency by which something looking like victory can change quickly.

Mensch ärgere Dich nicht was first published in 1914 and has since sold over 90 million copies, making it one of the most popular board games in Germany. The game is played with a simple set of equipment: a game board, 16 game pieces in 4 different colors, and a single die. The game was adapted for an English audience by Hasbro in their Trouble board game (also known as Frustration in the UK). A true classic, easy to pick up and play for ages 5 and up, with a game usually taking 15-20 minutes.

Rules for playing Mensch ärgere Dich nicht

The rules of Mensch ärgere Dich nicht are straightforward, making it a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Here are the basic rules according to the official game instructions:

1. Each player chooses a color and places their four pieces in the corresponding starting area.
2. Players take turns rolling the die. A roll of six allows a player to move a piece from the starting area to the game track, and also grants an additional roll.
3. Pieces move around the track based on the roll of the die. If a player’s piece lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s piece, the opponent’s piece is returned to their starting area.
4. The goal is to move all four pieces around the board and into the colored home column of the same color. The first player to do this wins the game.

While these are the official rules, many players introduce ‘house rules’ to add variety to the game. For example, some players allow pieces to move backwards or introduce penalties for rolling multiple sixes in a row, making the game a bit more challenging.

How do you play Mensch ärgere Dich nicht

Setup

Setting up a game of Mensch ärgere Dich nicht is simple. The game board is placed in the center of the playing area, and each player chooses a color and places their four pieces in the corresponding starting area. The youngest player usually goes first.

Gameplay

Players take turns rolling the die and moving their pieces around the board. A roll of six allows a player to move a piece from the starting area to the game track, and also grants an additional roll. If a player’s piece lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s piece, the opponent’s piece is returned to their starting area.

End of the Game

The game ends when one player successfully moves all four of their pieces into their home column. That player is declared the winner.

How to Win at Mensch ärgere Dich nicht

Winning at Mensch ärgere Dich nicht requires a combination of luck, strategy, and careful observation of your opponents’ moves. Here are some strategies that can help you improve your game:

1. Always be aware of your opponents’ pieces. If you have the opportunity to knock an opponent’s piece off the board, take it. This will slow down their progress and give you an advantage.
2. Try to keep your pieces spread out on the board. This will give you more options for movement and make it harder for your opponents to block you.
3. Don’t rush to move your pieces out of the starting area. While it’s important to get your pieces on the board, it’s also risky because they can be knocked off by your opponents. Wait for the right moment to make your move.

Best Strategies for playing Mensch ärgere Dich nicht game

While luck plays a significant role in Mensch ärgere Dich nicht, there are also strategic elements that can greatly influence the outcome of the game. Here are some advanced strategies to consider:

1. Use your pieces to block your opponents. If you have a piece on a space where an opponent’s piece needs to pass, they cannot move past you until your piece is moved. This can be a powerful way to slow down your opponents and protect your own pieces.
2. Try to keep at least one piece in the starting area for as long as possible. This can serve as a ‘backup’ in case all of your other pieces are knocked off the board.
3. Be mindful of the risk/reward balance. Moving a piece out of the starting area can give you more options for movement, but it also makes that piece vulnerable to being knocked off the board. Always consider the potential consequences before making a move.

Scenarios for Mensch ärgere Dich nicht

There are many different scenarios that can arise in a game of Mensch ärgere Dich nicht, each with its own challenges and opportunities. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. You have a piece on the board and roll a six. This is a great opportunity to either move a new piece onto the board or advance an existing piece. Consider the positions of your opponents’ pieces and choose the option that gives you the best advantage.
2. Your piece is knocked off the board. This can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. Use this as an opportunity to reassess your strategy and make a plan for getting your piece back on the board.
3. You have multiple pieces on the board and aren’t sure which one to move. In this situation, consider which piece is in the most vulnerable position and try to move it to safety. Alternatively, look for opportunities to block your opponents or knock their pieces off the board.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Mensch ärgere Dich nicht game

Here are some common questions that players often have when learning to play Mensch ärgere Dich nicht:

1. What happens if I roll a six? If you roll a six, you can either move a piece from the starting area to the game track, or move an existing piece six spaces. You also get an additional roll.
2. Can I pass my own pieces on the board? Yes, you can pass your own pieces without any consequences.

External Links

Mensch ärgere Dich nicht mobile app on Google Play (free to play)

Mensch ärgere Dich nicht mobile app on iOS (free to play)