Treasures and Trapdoors (1990) Board Game

Treasures and Trapdoors is a board game released in 1990, designed by Mary Danby and published by Waddingtons. The game is centered around adventure, ancient mythology, and maze exploration, making it an exciting and engaging choice for children aged 6 and up.

Game Components of Treasures and Trapdoors

Pyramid base board

Baskets (act as counters and temporary vessels for treasure)

Golden Cobra

Gem stones

Ankhs

Pharaoh eyes (indicators for trapdoor spins)

Cardboard pit of snakes

How To Setup Treasures and Trapdoors

To set up the game, players place the pyramid base board in the center, distribute the baskets, gem stones, and Ankhs among the players. Each player chooses a starting position on the board. The golden cobra is placed in a designated area within the pyramid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move anti-clockwise around the board based on the number of moves indicated on their individual boxes, without using dice.

Trapdoors: Landing on a closed trapdoor allows players to obtain gem stones, but spinning the board can cause players to fall into the snake pit and lose their gem stones.

Pharaoh Eyes: These indicators help players predict when a trapdoor might open.

Ankhs: Landing on an Ankh square allows players to store their gem stones.

Golden Cobra: Collecting three gem stones enables players to enter the middle circle and aim to acquire the golden cobra. The first player to get the cobra and exit the pyramid wins.

Player Experience

Playing Treasures and Trapdoors is an immersive experience, combining elements of strategy and luck. The 3D board and the mechanism of spinning trapdoors add a thrilling layer of unpredictability. Players need to balance risk and planning to succeed.

Pros

No Dice Rolling: Eliminates the risk of dice rolling accidents.

Fantasy and Adventure: Rich in fantasy elements like pyramids, gem stones, and a golden cobra.

Social Interaction: Encourages competitive fun with family and friends.

Logical Planning: Involves a degree of logic and strategy.

Cons

Chance Element: Despite planning, there is still an element of chance involved with the spinning board.

Complex Setup: Setting up the 3D board and components can be somewhat intricate.

Personal Thoughts on Treasures and Trapdoors

Treasures and Trapdoors is almost perfect for those who enjoy nostalgic, tactile board games with a fantasy twist. It’s ideal for families and friends looking for a game that combines strategy and excitement. The game’s unique mechanics and 3D design make it a standout in any board game collection. If you stumble upon this game, especially at a reasonable price like £15, it’s definitely worth giving it a try, especially if you have an affinity for 90’s board games or are an Indiana Jones fan at heart.

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