Don’t Tip The Waiter (1990) Board Game

Don’t Tip The Waiter is a classic children’s game that was first released in 1990 by Flair Games. It is a fun and engaging game that tests players’ stacking and balancing skills. The game has been a favorite among families for decades, providing hours of entertainment and excitement.

Game Components of Don’t Tip The Waiter

Sam’s Tray: The central component where players place items.

Items: Balls, plates, and cups to be balanced on Sam’s tray.

Spinner: Determines the number of items to place and whether to tip the waiter.

Waiter Mechanism: A button on the back of Sam that, when pressed, extends Sam’s arm to tip the tray.

How To Setup Don’t Tip The Waiter

To set up the game, players divide the items (balls, plates, and cups) equally among themselves. Each player aims to get rid of all their items by placing them onto Sam’s tray. The game includes a spinner that dictates the number of items to place and whether the waiter needs to be tipped.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Spinner: Determines the number of items (0 to 2) to place on Sam’s tray and whether to tip the waiter.

Item Placement: Players take turns placing their items on Sam’s tray.

Tipping the Waiter: If the spinner indicates tipping, the player must press the button on Sam’s back, which can cause the tray to tilt and items to fall off.

Game Objective: The first player to successfully place all their items on Sam’s tray without any falling off wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Don’t Tip The Waiter** is an engaging and challenging experience, especially as the game progresses and the stack of items grows. The unpredictability of Sam’s arm extending when the waiter is tipped adds a thrilling element, making each turn exciting and precarious.

Pros

Interactive and Engaging: The game requires physical dexterity and strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, promoting fun and teamwork.

Simple yet Challenging: Easy to understand but difficult to master.

Durable Components: Made of sturdy plastic, enhancing the game’s longevity.

Cons

Frustration Factor: Items falling off can be frustrating, especially for younger players.

Limited Player Strategy: The game is largely based on luck and physical skill rather than complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Don’t Tip The Waiter

**Don’t Tip The Waiter** is a classic game that is perfect for families and groups looking for a fun, interactive experience. It enhances physical dexterity and balance skills while providing endless laughter and excitement. Despite the potential frustration when items fall off, the game remains a beloved vintage classic that is worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.

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