Chickapig (2016) – Board Game Guys

Chickapig is a popular and significant board game that was created by Brian Calhoun, a Virginia-based luthier, and musician Dave Matthews in 2016. The game has been dubbed “farmer’s chess” and is a fun-filled strategy game that engages players in chess-like thinking as they move their chickapigs across the board, dodging obstacles and competing to get their chickapigs into their own color-coded goals.

Game Components of Chickapig

50 wooden pieces

1 game board

1 cow

1 cow fence

1 sand timer

1 Chickapig die

1 rules booklet

4 hay bales per color

6 Chickapigs per color

8 cow poops

9 poop cards

9 daisy cards.

How To Setup Chickapig

To set up the game, lay out the board as per the diagram. Each player chooses a color and places their six Chickapigs on the starting side of the board. The cow, cow fence, hay bales, and other components are placed according to the rules. Players roll the die to determine who goes first, with the highest roll starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Roll-and-Move: Players roll a die to determine the number of moves they can make in a straight line (forward, backward, or sideways).

Obstacles: Players must navigate around hay bales, the cow, and cow poop.

Blocking: Use Chickapigs, hay bales, and the cow to block opponents’ goals.

Special Cards: Daisy cards offer beneficial actions, while poop cards impose penalties.

Game Objective

Move all six of your Chickapigs across the board to pass through your goal on the other side.

Thwart opponents by using hay bales, the cow, and cow poop strategically.

Player Experience

Chickapig is a fun and strategic game that combines elements of chess-like thinking with a light-hearted, playful atmosphere. It is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it appealing to a wide range of ages, from children to adults. The game promotes social interaction and teamwork, especially with its cooperative version, Chickapiglets, designed for younger players.

Pros

Engaging and Interactive: Introduces chess-like thinking in a fun way.

Social Game: Encourages social interaction and teamwork.

High Replay Value: Multiple strategies and random elements ensure different experiences each time.

Awards and Recognition: Winner of the 2019 National Parenting Product Awards and a finalist for the Toy Association Specialty Toy of the Year award.

Cons

Components Handling: Managing the various components, such as cow poop and daisy cards, can be a bit cumbersome.

Time Constraint: The game can take up to 60 minutes, which may not be suitable for all players.

Personal Thoughts on Chickapig

Chickapig is an excellent choice for families, schools, and social gatherings. It is particularly beneficial for children as it teaches social skills and critical thinking in an entertaining manner. The game’s appeal extends to adults as well, making it a versatile addition to any game collection. Its unique blend of strategy and humor ensures it remains a favorite among various age groups and settings, from family game nights to local bars and tournaments.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.