Quadwrangle (1983) Board Game

Quadwrangle is a two-player board game that was released in in 1983. It falls under the category of dice games and is designed for players aged 6 and above. The game has been published by various companies such as Great American Trading Company, Hiron Games, Lagoon Games, Peri Spiele, and W. Nostheide Verlag GmbH. It has also received the prestigious Mensa Select award, indicating its high quality and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Quadwrangle

Board: A board with 9 columns, each with a counter starting in the middle.

Dice: 5 dice used for determining counter movements.

Counters: 9 counters, one for each column.

Columns: Marked with different objectives such as Number (1-6), Run, and High/Low.

How To Setup Quadwrangle

To set up Quadwrangle, place the board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of counters and places them in the middle of their respective columns on the board. Ensure all players have the 5 dice needed for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Players roll 5 dice, similar to Yahtzee, and can reroll up to three times.

Column Objectives:

Number: Roll a pair of the same number to move the counter 1 space, a triple for 2 spaces, etc.

Run: Roll a straight (e.g., 12345 for 2 spaces, or 23456 for 3 spaces).

High/Low: Roll a total over 23 or under 12, with bonuses for more extreme totals.

Game Objective: The first player to move 3 counters into their scoring area wins.

Player Experience

Quadwrangle offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making it engaging for players who enjoy dice games. The simultaneous nature of moving counters in multiple columns adds a layer of complexity, similar to playing multiple games of tug-of-war at once. This game is suitable for ages 6 and up and is designed for 2 players, although some variations may allow more.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategic dice rolling.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 20 minutes.

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

Mensa Select: Recognized as a Mensa Select game in 1996, indicating its intellectual appeal.

Cons

Luck Factor: Dice rolls introduce a significant element of luck.

Limited Player Count: Primarily designed for 2 players.

Out of Print: The game is currently out of stock and hard to find.

Personal Thoughts on Quadwrangle

Quadwrangle is ideal for those who enjoy strategic dice games and are looking for a game that combines simplicity with depth. It’s a great choice for families or casual gamers who want a quick, engaging game. However, due to its rarity and limited player count, it may not be the best fit for larger gaming groups or those seeking a game with less reliance on luck.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.