Ruffhouse (1980)

About this game

Don't Get Mad, Get Even! After all, you're on your own and out for yourself in this rough-and-tumble, wild and woolly game. It's dog-eat-dog every step of the way. Even on EASY STREET you'll have to stay on your toes. The chances are good that, sooner or later, someone will "double cross" you there. It's making big decisions when The Chips Are Down. So keep your wits about you there. Don't go overboard. Because the next thing you know -- and there's no way out -- you're going to be in BIG TROUBLE! It's unpredictable twists of fortune and fate. So be prepared for anything with everything you have. Like a good, swift "zap!"... or a "double cross"... or even one LAST CHANCE to meet your quota of chips. Eventually, whether you want to or not, you'll reach THE MOMENT OF TRUTH. Will you survive? Or will you simply learn that... ...there's no such thing as a friendly game of Ruffhouse!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.2/5 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.