An evolution of the 1940s dice game ‘Pig’ – Pass the Pigs requires each player to take turns throwing two miniature pink piglets each of which has a single spot on one side.
Just to be clear these are tiny plastic replicas, not actual real pigs. Are you insane?
more acrobatic = more points
Varying points are awarded for the different combination of piggy positions – the more acrobatic the more points are scored.
For example, super common is both pigs landing flat, same side up which scores a measly 1 point. A pig landing on it’s back is worth 5 points. Both pigs on their backs that’s 20 points, and don’t get me started on the adrenalin rush of rolling a double Leaning Jowler (60 points!).
After each throw a player must decide whether to bank their score or keep rerolling to accumulate their score further.
The potential fly in the oinkment (sorry, couldn’t resist), is that if at any point the player throws a ‘pig out’ – one spot up, one spot down, the player is ‘bust’ and they lose ALL points scored for that turn, and must pass the pigs to the next player.
Worse still is rolling a ‘Makin’ Bacon’ – if your pigs land touching each other your score is reset to zero. Zoinks Scooby!
The winner is the first to achieve 100 points (or the agreed predetermined target score).
This is such a speedy, uncomplicated joy to play – thoroughly addictive and an absolute riot in a group.
speedy uncomplicated joy
The push-your-luck mechanic is a marvel to witness, with each player in visible turmoil – internally weighing up the odds with each new throw of the pigs –
“Should I bank?”
or “Maybe just one more throw?”
Invariably, players swiftly fall in to two camps – steady Eddy’s who roll a couple of times and bank a sensible 10 or 15 points, and then the gung-ho brigade who quickly scale the heights of 50 or 60 points in one sitting only to push their luck too many times and go bust, but remain super eager to repeat the same winning strategy the next time it’s their go.
“You never know – I might get to 100 in one turn!”
Despite my family’s assertion, I am not this type of player, there is a sophisticated method to my apparent piggy madness. Just don’t let me loose on Vegas!
The beauty of this game is the lack of barriers to engagement – everyone can be involved from the start, there are no complex rules to learn or counters to move, turns are brisk, and the communal fun factor is high. Yes it’s primarily a game of chance, with the only ‘skill’ being self-determining your appetite for risk – when to bank, and when to keep on rolling, but it’s a compulsive, moreish joy.
For younger kids this is a great veiled way to get them to flex their addition skills and learn about probability, whilst also rolling about laughing when Daddy goes bust…again. The publisher’s age recommendation is 7+ but mature 5 or 6 year olds could easily join in the porky japes.
ultimate travel game
Pass the Pigs is THE ultimate travel game, essentially occupying no more space than two dice.
Assuming you can memorise the scoring combinations (or take a photo of the score sheet on your mobile), and track scores on a paper scrap this is a super pocketable travel game.
My advice – get a set o’pigs for your pocket, handbag or bum bag as soon as possible. Great piggy fun.
Low
2+
10-30 mins
Easy
Immense, immediate fun. Ridiculously addictive, compact and super affordable. A perfect diversion for larger groups. Oink oink squeeeeal!
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Worth Considering: Big Pigs
40%-50% costlier than their smaller brothers, these oversized (15cm/5.9in length) foam pigs (think stress ball material) may be worth considering for smaller kids, or for folk who may have difficulty reading the smaller pigs.
More appealing to younger mitts as more tactile and easier to handle. Also, no chance of losing these under the sofa! Note that you sacrifice the portability of their teenier brethren, and be warned any nearby dogs may also want to get involved…with their teeth.
Avoid: Giant Pigs
Inflatable pigs for outdoor pass the piggy action. Whilst seemingly a good idea for the garden, park or beach they’re awkward to throw, don’t fly or land as well and seem to get affected by even the lightest of breezes.
As is the case with most inflatables, the seams invariably seem to develop slow leaks too easily. I recommend avoiding.
