Quicksand (1981)

About this game

The object of this game is to be the first player to position his pieces in the opponent's starting row. The catch is that the pieces are (one minute?) sand timers and that their movement is dictated by a die. A timer that runs out of sand is sent back to its starting space. The die rolls are 1, 2, 3, S, S, S; an S is used to start a timer from the starting row (flipping it and advancing one space) or to flip an already running one. The number rolls simply advance a running timer.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.4/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.