Labyrinth (1940)

About this game

Maneuver the steel ball through the wooden maze without falling into any of the holes. The surface may have numerous tiny pits and bumps, making the behavior of the ball all the more erratic, but that arguably adds to the challenge. An unplugged precursor to video games. The game was invented in the early 1940s by Sven Bergling in Tranås, Sweden. It was lent to Tage Friberg to pass time while he was sick. Tage later started a production of the game.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 1 player — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.3/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 6 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.