Sugoroku (550) – Board Game Guys

Sugoroku

Sugoroku is a Japanese board game that has been popular since the 19th century, if not earlier. The game has two different forms: ban-sugoroku, which is similar to western table games like backgammon, and e-sugoroku, which is similar to snakes and ladders. A simpler version of e-sugoroku, with rules similar to snakes and ladders, appeared as early as the late 13th century and was made popular due to the cheap and elaborate wooden block printing technology of the Edo period. Thousands of variations of boards were made with pictures and themes from religion, politics, actors, and even adult material. In the Meiji and later periods, this variation of the game remained popular and was often included in child-oriented magazines.

Why is Sugoroku Popular?

Sugoroku games were used to promote the ideal Japanese subject in the early 20th century. The variety of themes featured in the games tells us much about trends and interests among the Japanese people at different times in history. Sugoroku games have also been adapted into video games, including Kiteretsu Daihyakka: Chōjikū Sugoroku, Sugoroku Ginga Senki, Battle Hunter, Ganbare Goemon: Mononoke Sugoroku, Culdcept, Dokodemo Hamster 4: Doki Doki Sugoroku Daibouken!, Hello Kitty: Minna de Sugoroku, Gotouchi Hello Kitty Sugoroku Monogatari, Yu-Gi-Oh! Sugoroku’s Board Game, Family Pirate Party, Hidamari Sketch: Doko Demo Sugoroku x 365, and PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit.

Game Components of Sugoroku

Ban-sugoroku: Includes a board, pieces (men), and dice. The board layout is similar to backgammon, but with distinct rules.

E-sugoroku: Features a board with various themed pictures and spaces, often including special events or penalties. The game uses a single six-sided die.

How To Setup Sugoroku

Ban-sugoroku: Players set up their men on the board in a specific starting position. The goal is to move all men to the last six spaces of the board.

E-sugoroku: The board is laid out, and players choose their starting points. The game is often themed, with boards depicting journeys, Buddhist teachings, or office hierarchies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Ban-sugoroku:
– Roll dice to determine movement.
– Aim to move all men to the last six spaces of the board.
– No “bearing off” or doubling cube.
– Winning condition: Form a prime of six contiguous points with one or more of the opponent’s men on the bar.

E-sugoroku:
– Roll a single six-sided die to move.
– Follow the path on the board, encountering various themed spaces that may advance or hinder progress.
– The goal varies by theme but generally involves reaching the end of the board.

Player Experience

Sugoroku games offer a mix of luck and strategy, with **ban-sugoroku** providing a more strategic experience similar to backgammon, while **e-sugoroku** is simpler and more luck-based, similar to snakes and ladders. **E-sugoroku** was often used as a tool for education and socialization, covering a wide range of themes from geography to moral teachings.

Pros

Educational Value: Many **e-sugoroku** games were designed to teach various subjects like geography, morality, and societal roles.

Cultural Significance: Sugoroku games reflect and influence Japanese culture, particularly during periods of rapid modernization.

Accessibility: Simple rules and colorful illustrations made **e-sugoroku** accessible to a wide audience, including children and adults.

Cons

Luck-Based: Both forms of sugoroku involve a significant amount of luck, which may not appeal to players seeking more strategic games.

Historical Obsolescence: **Ban-sugoroku** has largely fallen out of practice, while **e-sugoroku** is more recognized today but still not as widely played as in its heyday.

Personal Thoughts on Sugoroku

Sugoroku is a game that appeals to a broad audience, particularly those interested in Japanese culture and history. **E-sugoroku** is ideal for families and educational settings due to its simple gameplay and thematic variety. **Ban-sugoroku**, while less widely known today, offers a more complex and strategic experience for those who enjoy games like backgammon. Overall, sugoroku games serve as a fascinating window into Japanese society and its evolution over time.

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