Pit (1903) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pit is a classic card game that was first released in in 1903. It was designed by Edgar Cayce, Harry Gavitt, and George S. Parker. The game is all about trading and speculation, making it a fun and fast-paced party game for 3-8 players. With its real-time gameplay and set collection mechanics, Pit has been a popular choice for over a century.

Game Components of Pit

Commodity Cards: The original edition includes 63 cards, with nine cards each of seven different commodities (Wheat, Barley, Corn, Rye, Oats, Hay, and Flax). Newer versions have 74 cards, adding an eighth commodity and Bear and Bull cards.

Bear and Bull Cards: The Bear card is a hazard, preventing the holder from declaring a corner, while the Bull card is a wildcard that can complete any set or double the score.

Pit Corner Board: Some versions include a board and a bell to start and end trading.

Score Sheet: For tracking points.

How To Setup Pit

To set up Pit, place the Pit Corner board in the middle of the table and prepare a score sheet. The dealer selects a complete set of commodities for each player, shuffles the deck, and deals nine cards to each player. If the Bear and Bull cards are in play, they are included in the deck. Once all players have their cards, they can look at them and decide which commodity to collect. The dealer then announces “The Exchange is open!” to start the trading phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trading: Players trade cards by holding out a number of cards and calling out the number. Another player must offer the same number of cards of the same commodity to complete the trade.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to collect all nine cards of a single commodity and declare “Corner on [commodity]!” by ringing the bell or hitting the board.

Bear and Bull: The Bear card imposes a penalty, while the Bull card can be used as a wildcard or to double the score if used to complete a set.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the value of the commodity collected, with the first player to reach a predetermined total (often 500 points) winning the game.

Player Experience

Pit is a highly interactive and chaotic game that transforms a quiet gathering into a lively, shouting match. Players must act quickly and strategically to trade cards and collect the needed commodities. The game requires minimal rules but a lot of energy and quick thinking. The inclusion of the Bear and Bull cards adds an extra layer of strategy and risk, making the game more dynamic and unpredictable.

Pros

Fast-Paced Fun: Games are quick, lasting anywhere from 1 to 10 minutes per round.

Simple to Learn: Easy rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Energy: The game encourages loud, fast-paced trading, creating a lively atmosphere.

Strategic Depth: The Bear and Bull cards add complexity and risk to the game.

Historical Significance: It has been a popular game since its release in 1904.

Cons

Physically Demanding: The game requires rapid card trading and physical dexterity, which can be challenging for players with physical limitations.

Emotional Frustration: Players may experience frustration if they cannot complete trades or if others deny them trades repeatedly.

Limited Strategy for Some Players: While the game has some strategic elements, it is largely based on chance and quick reflexes.

Personal Thoughts on Pit

Pit is an excellent choice for those who enjoy fast-paced, interactive games that do not require a lot of setup or complex rules. It is ideal for large groups, as the game becomes more exciting with more players. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more strategic or calm gaming experience. Additionally, players with physical accessibility considerations should approach with caution due to the game’s physically demanding nature. Overall, Pit is a classic game that offers a unique and energetic gaming experience, making it a great addition to any game collection.

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