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Stay Alive (1965) Board Game

ByMichail

Stay Alive is a classic board game that was first released in in 1965. Designed by Gordon A. Barlow, this game has been enjoyed by generations of players for its strategic gameplay and unique components. With a runtime of about 30 minutes, Stay Alive is suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of Stay Alive

  • Game Board:** A plastic board with a grid and movable slides.
  • Marbles:** Colored marbles for each player.
  • Slides:** 14 movable slides that can be adjusted to three different positions.
  • Storage Wells:** For each player’s marbles.
  • Knobs:** To adjust the slide positions.

    How To Setup Stay Alive

    To set up the game, each player chooses a color and takes five marbles of that color, placing them in the storage well. The 14 slides are randomized to one of three positions. For two players, 10 marbles are used, and for three players, 15 marbles are used. Players place their marbles on the grid one at a time in turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Be the last player with marbles on the grid.
  • Player Turn:** Move one slide of your choice to eliminate opponents’ marbles by making them fall through the grid.
  • Slide Movement:** Slides can only be moved one position at a time (from outside to center or center to inside).
  • Elimination:** A player is out when all their marbles fall through the grid.
  • Winning Condition:** The last player with marbles on the grid wins.

    Player Experience

    Stay Alive is a fun and fast-paced game that is easy to set up and play. The game requires strategic thinking to position the slides in a way that eliminates opponents’ marbles while keeping your own safe. Each game is unique due to the random positioning of the slides at the start.

    Pros

  • Easy Setup:** Quick and simple setup process.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires strategic thinking to win.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for adults and children.
  • Replayability:** Random slide positions ensure different gameplay each time.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor:** Luck plays a role in marble placement and slide movement.
  • Limited Player Interaction:** Players primarily focus on their own moves rather than direct interaction with opponents.

    Personal Thoughts on Stay Alive

    Stay Alive is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights. It’s a great way to introduce children to strategic thinking while providing an enjoyable experience for adults. The game’s simplicity and fast-paced nature make it an excellent addition to any board game collection. If you find it at a thrift store, it’s definitely worth grabbing.

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    • 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

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