Can’t Stop Express (1989) – Board Game Guys

Can’t Stop Express

Can’t Stop Express is a board game designed by Sid Sackson and published in 1989 by Hexagames. It is a re-publishing of Choice/Einstein, which was a republishing of his previously created game Solitaire Dice, first published in A Gamut of Games (1969). The game is currently published by Eagle-Gryphon Games.

Why is Can’t Stop Express Popular?

Can’t Stop Express is an addictive and easy-to-learn dice game that requires players to take risks and strategize to score points. It offers considerable replay value and has been praised for its simplicity and replayability.

Game Components of Can’t Stop Express

5 six-sided dice

A large scorepad with sections for recording pairs and the “fifth die”

Score sheets for each player

Packaged in one of Eagle-Gryphon Games’ small “EGG” boxes.

How To Setup Can’t Stop Express

To set up the game, each player receives a score sheet. The five dice are rolled at the start of each turn, and players use these dice to make decisions. There is no complex board setup, as the game primarily revolves around the dice rolls and the score sheets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll five dice at the start of each turn.

Pair Formation: Players decide which four dice to use to make two pairs with the highest sums, recording these sums on their score sheet.

Fifth Die: The remaining die is recorded in a separate section on the score sheet. Players must choose different numbers for the “fifth die” on the first three turns and then must use one of these numbers if available in subsequent turns.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on the number of boxes filled in for each pair. The game ends when a player has checked off all eight spaces for one of their “fifth die” numbers.

Objective: The player with the highest score, calculated by the number of boxes filled and the associated points, wins the game.

Player Experience

**Can’t Stop Express** engages players with simple yet strategic gameplay. Each turn, players must make decisions about which dice to use for pairs and which to set aside as the “fifth die.” This game is great for teaching probabilities and risk/reward tradeoffs, making it a good fit for classrooms or family game nights. The game keeps everyone invested, as all players are interested in every die roll.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay rules make it accessible to players of various ages.

High Replay Value: The game offers considerable replay value due to the dynamic nature of dice rolls and strategic decisions.

Engaging for All Players: Everyone remains engaged throughout the game, as each die roll affects all players.

Casual yet Strategic: It’s a great casual game that still requires strategic thinking.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game is heavily dependent on the luck of the dice rolls, which can lead to frustration if rolls do not favor the player.

Scoring Complexity: While the gameplay is simple, scoring can be somewhat complex, especially for younger players.

Personal Thoughts on Can’t Stop Express

**Can’t Stop Express** is an excellent choice for those looking for a quick, engaging dice game that combines luck and strategy. It is ideal for families, classrooms, or casual game nights where participants want to stay involved without needing to learn complex rules. The game’s ability to accommodate any number of players adds to its versatility, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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