A boxed Twister board game with an illustration showing silhouettes of two people playing, twisting their arms and legs on the colored dots. Text indicates "The classic game, with 2 MORE MOVES!" and "AGE 6+", as well as branding and manufacturer logos.
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Twister (1966)

ByMichail

Origins

The game was initially called “Pretzel” and was based on a project by Reyn Guyer, who was working on a promotion for Johnson’s shoe polish company. Guyer created a polka-dot paper mat and tested it with a group of office workers.

Milton Bradley Company

The Milton Bradley Company noticed the invention and released it as a new game called Twister, claiming it as their own idea. The company initially feared that the game would be considered inappropriate due to the close physical proximity of its players, so they marketed it conservatively.

Popularity

Twister gained popularity when it was featured on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor. The game sold more than three million copies during its first year of release. It has been included in Games magazine’s “Top 100 Games” multiple times and is still popular today.

Gameplay Mechanics

The game is played on a large plastic mat with four rows of large circles, each in a different color. Players take turns spinning a dial and matching their body position to the corresponding color on the mat. The first person to fall loses.

Variations

There are various versions of Twister, including an inflatable version for outdoor events. The game has been adapted for colorblind and legally blind players.

Significance

Twister is significant because it was the first board game to require players to use their bodies as playing pieces. Its popularity and enduring appeal have made it a classic game that is still enjoyed by people of all ages.

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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