Stock Ticker (1937) Board Game

Stock Ticker is a classic board game that was first released in in 1937. It is a game of dice and economic strategy, where players engage in commodity speculation and stock holding. The game has been designed by Canada Games Company Ltd., Copp Clark Publishing Company, and Papa’s Toy Company Ltd.

Game Components of Stock Ticker

Game Board: Represents the stock market with various commodities.

Six Stocks: Gold, silver, bonds, oil, industrials, and grain.

Dice: Three dice used to determine stock movements and dividends.

Money: Players start with $5000.

Shares: Players buy shares in groups of 500, 1000, 2000, or 5000.

How To Setup Stock Ticker

To set up Stock Ticker, each player begins with $5000 and the six stocks are initialized at a value of $1.00 each. Players can then start buying shares in the available commodities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock Movement: Stocks move based on the roll of three dice. The first die selects the stock, the second determines if the stock goes up, down, or pays a dividend, and the third die sets the amount of change (5, 10, or 20 cents).

Dividends: Paid out for stocks valued at or above $1.00.

Stock Split: If a stock reaches $2.00, it splits, doubling the number of shares owned and resetting the stock value to $1.00.

Bankruptcy: If a stock falls to $0.00, players lose their investment and the stock is reset.

Trading: After a set number of rolls, players can buy and sell stocks concurrently at the current prices.

Objective: To accumulate the most wealth by strategically buying, selling, and holding stocks.

Player Experience

Playing Stock Ticker involves a mix of luck and strategy. Players must navigate the unpredictability of the dice rolls to make informed decisions about which stocks to buy and when to sell. The game offers two main strategies: one safe and dividend-focused, and another more risky but potentially highly rewarding by investing in undervalued stocks.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches basic stock market principles.

Engaging Mechanics: Dice rolls add an element of unpredictability.

Strategic Depth: Allows for both conservative and high-risk strategies.

Historical Significance: Released in 1937, offering a nostalgic game experience.

Cons

Luck-Based: Dice rolls can significantly impact game outcomes.

Simplistic: Does not replicate the full complexity of real-world stock markets.

Limited Player Interaction: Players mostly focus on individual stock performances.

Personal Thoughts on Stock Ticker

Stock Ticker is ideal for those interested in finance and strategy games. It’s a great introduction to stock market principles for beginners and can be an entertaining historical piece for seasoned gamers. The game’s balance of luck and strategy makes it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to those looking for a more analytical experience. However, it may not satisfy players seeking highly interactive or complex gameplay.

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