And They’re Off! (1993) Board Game

And They’re Off! is a racing board game released in 1993 by The Really Useful Games Co. It is designed for 2-22 players and has a recommended age of 10 and up. The game involves betting and bluffing mechanics and has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes.

Game Components of And They’re Off!

Playing Board

4 Horses

58 Horse Race Cards

40 Money Chips in 8 colors

Money in $10, $100, & $1000 denominations

1 Write on wipe off marker pen

Advanced pack contains 1 turf accountant (Bookies) write on wipe off card

Family and Advanced Instructions.

How To Setup And They’re Off!

To set up the game, place the four horses at the starting line on the board. Each horse has its own set of cards, which will guide the movement of the horses during the game. Ensure all components, including the money chips and the write on wipe off marker pen, are arranged and ready for play. The instructions provide detailed steps for both the basic and advanced versions of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: The goal is to win the most races and accumulate the most money.

Basic Game: Players turn over horse race cards to determine how many spaces their horse moves. Each horse has its own set of cards, and the movement is based on the card drawn.

Advanced Game: Includes a betting mechanism where players can act as bookmakers, placing bets and managing odds. This adds a strategic element to the game.

No Dice: Unlike many board games, “And They’re Off!” does not use dice; instead, it relies on the horse race cards for movement.

Player Experience

“And They’re Off!” offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages. The game is simple enough for children to understand but includes enough complexity in the advanced version to keep adults entertained. The absence of dice and the reliance on cards make the gameplay smooth and predictable, yet still exciting due to the unpredictability of the card draws. The betting feature in the advanced game adds a layer of strategy and social interaction, as players can negotiate and make deals during the game.

Pros

Age Inclusive: Suitable for a wide age range, making it a great family game.

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it easy for new players to join in.

Strategic Depth: The advanced game adds a betting element that introduces strategy and negotiation.

No Dice: Reduces the element of pure chance, making the game more about the cards and player decisions.

Cons

Durability: The horses and other components can be fragile, so careful handling is required.

Limited Horse Options: Only four horses are included, which might limit the variety in repeated plays.

Complex Setup for Advanced Game: Setting up the advanced game with the betting mechanism can be a bit more involved.

Personal Thoughts on And They’re Off!

“And They’re Off!” is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, easy-to-understand game with some strategic depth. The game’s ability to adapt to different age groups and its lack of reliance on dice make it a great option for those who prefer a more predictable yet still engaging gameplay experience. While it may not be the most complex or immersive game, it certainly offers a delightful and interactive way to spend time with family and friends.

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