Probe is a board game introduced in the 1960s by Parker Brothers, reminiscent of the simple two-person game Hangman. The game is popular and significant because it extends the number of players to a maximum of four and introduces additional game elements that increase the levels of both skill and chance. Each player has a secret chosen word, and the game ends when the last word, not the first word, is revealed. The game has been praised as a classic and has been included in Games magazine’s “Top 100 Games” multiple times.
Game Components of Probe
4 plastic display racks: Each rack can hold up to twelve cards.4 decks of 96 cards: Each card has either one letter or a blank. The decks include varying numbers of each letter, with more common letters appearing more frequently.Letter cards or strips: In the 1976 version (#202), letter cards were replaced with strips of paper on which the letters are written.Point value system: Each card position on the display rack has a assigned point value (5-10-15-15-10-5-5-10-15-15-10-5).
How To Setup Probe
To set up Probe, each player selects a secret word and spells it out face-down on one of the display racks using the letter cards. Words can be 5 to 12 letters long, and blank cards can be used to disguise the true length of the word. The setup time is approximately 5 minutes.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Gameplay: The turn-holding player asks another player if they have a specific letter on their display rack. If the answer is “yes,” the player turns up one card showing that letter and continues their turn. If the answer is “no,” play passes to the next player.Point System: The player earns points based on the values of the cards turned up. A 50-point bonus is awarded for revealing the last card of a word, while a 50-point penalty is assessed for incorrectly guessing a blank.Game End: The game continues until only one player has unexposed cards. If two rounds do not reveal the word, the remaining card values and the 50-point bonus go to the excluded player.Objective: The goal is to guess the words of other players while protecting your own, accumulating the highest score.
Player Experience
Probe offers a engaging and strategic twist on traditional Hangman. Players must use deduction and strategy to guess letters, while also managing the risk of penalties for incorrect guesses. The game is best for 3 or 4 players, though it can be adapted for 2 players using two display racks each.
Pros
Strategic Depth: More complex than Hangman, with the use of blanks to disguise word lengths and a point system that adds strategy.Multiplayer: Designed for multiple players, making it a social and interactive game.Educational: Enhances spelling and vocabulary skills.Variety: Different versions introduced changes, such as the use of paper strips in later editions.
Cons
Length: Games can last between 30-60 minutes, which may be too long for some players.Complexity: Some players may find the rules and scoring system somewhat complicated.Penalties: The 50-point penalty for guessing a blank incorrectly can be significant, which may deter some players.
Personal Thoughts on Probe
Probe is ideal for those who enjoy word games and are looking for a more complex and strategic alternative to Hangman. It is particularly suited for families or groups of friends who appreciate vocabulary and spelling challenges. While it may not hold the attention of players who prefer quicker or more action-oriented games, it remains a delightful and intellectually stimulating option for word game enthusiasts.
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