| | | | | |

Ratrace (1967) Board Game

ByMichail

Ratrace is a classic board game that was first released in in 1967. Designed by Alfons Rubbens, the game is centered around the concept of economic competition, where players strive to become the wealthiest by making strategic investments and deals.

Game Components of Ratrace

  • Board:** Features three concentric tracks representing Working Class, Middle Class, and High Society.
  • Status Symbols:** Cards representing items like golf clubs, car radios, automatic washers, and more, updated in later versions to include items like snooker tables and CB Radios.
  • Diplomas and Memberships:** Night School diplomas and Country Club memberships necessary for social advancement.
  • Credit Cards:** Each player has a credit card to buy items on credit.
  • Playing Tokens:** Originally standard pawns, later versions feature colored rats.
  • Dice:** Used for movement and various challenges.
  • Money:** Custom game currency with a distinct color scheme.
  • Instruction Booklet:** Written in a Q&A style with a comedic tone.

    How To Setup Ratrace

    To set up Ratrace, each player selects a business and a playing token. The Status Symbols, diplomas, and memberships are placed on their respective spaces on the board. Players start in the Working Class on the outer track of the board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The goal is to climb the social ladder from Working Class to High Society.
  • Movement:** Players roll dice to move around the board.
  • Buying and Selling:** Players buy and sell Status Symbols from each other’s businesses.
  • Social Advancement:** Players must acquire specific Status Symbols, diplomas, and memberships to move to higher social classes.
  • Credit System:** Players can use credit cards to purchase items, but must pay back the amount plus interest when landing on certain squares.
  • Gambling:** Opportunities to gamble at the Stock Exchange or the racetrack.
  • Society Wedding:** A shortcut to instantly move up the social ladder by landing on the society wedding square.
  • Divorce:** Risk of being socially demoted by landing on divorce squares in higher classes.

    Player Experience

    Ratrace offers a unique blend of social commentary and light-hearted gameplay. Players navigate the challenges of climbing the social ladder, managing finances, and making strategic decisions about when to take risks. The game’s humorous instructions and retro charm add to its appeal, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.

    Pros

  • Engaging Theme:** The game’s theme of social climbing is both humorous and thought-provoking.
  • Variable Gameplay:** The combination of dice rolls, credit management, and strategic purchases keeps the game exciting.
  • Retro Charm:** The game’s vintage design and components are a delight for those who enjoy nostalgic games.
  • Social Interaction:** Players must interact with each other through buying and selling, adding a social element to the game.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup:** The initial setup can be time-consuming due to the placement of various components.
  • Credit Risk:** The credit system can lead to bankruptcy, which may frustrate some players.
  • Luck Factor:** The game involves a lot of luck, particularly with dice rolls and landing on certain squares.

    Personal Thoughts on Ratrace

    Ratrace is ideal for those who enjoy games with a strong social theme and a touch of humor. It is suitable for families and casual gamers who appreciate retro games with unique mechanics. The game’s ability to balance luck and strategy makes it appealing to a wide range of players. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly competitive or complex games, as its charm lies in its light-hearted and nostalgic nature.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *