Scorpion

Scorpion is an elegant variation on the Pachisi/Ludo style of race game.

The board comprises a raised S-shaped track with baize-coated recesses for throwing the dice. The poker-chip sized pieces, embossed with scorpions, also stack neatly onto the impressively designed and attractive playing surface.

The race starts with players entering their pieces onto the yellow track. After 18 spaces, when the end of the initial S has been reached, players double-back on themselves, taking the black track to return home. The twist lies in that a scorpion may "sting" another, not just by landing on the same space, but also by landing on an adjacent space on the other coloured track. This enables a player to hinder opponents or to boost his own position by switching scorpions onto the other track.

Unfortunately, the rather minimalist rules supplied do not cover every gameplay eventuality. In particular, the knock-on effect that occurs frequently on a congested board, where a "stung" scorpion may inadvertently sting another is not explained in a satisfactory manner.