Frustration is a race-and-bump board game in the same family as Trouble and Ludo. Players race four pegs around a track using a die that is rolled by pressing a dome in the center of the board, and landing on an opponent sends that peg back to the start. This page describes the usual rules of the classic format. Because several editions exist, check the leaflet in your own box if something differs.
Goal and setup
The goal is to be the first player to move all four of your pegs around the track and into your finishing holes.
- Each player takes four pegs of one color and puts them in their starting area.
- Everyone presses the dice dome once, and the highest roller goes first. Play passes clockwise.
Taking a turn
On your turn, press the dome once to roll. Then move one of your pegs by the number shown if a legal move exists. If you cannot move, your turn passes.
Starting pegs
As in the usual rules of the Trouble family, you need to roll a six to bring a peg onto the track, and a six also earns another roll. Some editions may vary this, so confirm it with your instruction sheet.
Moving and sending opponents home
Pegs move clockwise around the board by the exact number rolled.
- Landing on an opponent’s peg sends it back to its starting area.
- You generally cannot land on your own peg.
- If you can make a legal move, you are expected to make one.
The frustration in the name comes from exactly this: a peg that has traveled almost the whole lap can be sent back by one lucky roll.
Finishing
Once a peg has gone around the track, it enters your finishing row. Typically you need an exact count to land in the last holes, so a high roll may be unusable for that peg. First to fill all four finishing holes wins.
Editions and the genie question
Players sometimes ask what the genie does in Frustration. I have not been able to confirm a genie feature in the standard classic game, so I cannot describe how it works. If your edition includes a genie, special piece, or extra spaces, the instruction sheet in the box is the reliable source. The same goes for themed releases of related games, which can add power dice or special squares.
You may also run into other games called Frustration. A card game by that name is sometimes discussed online as a rummy variant, and it is unrelated to the board game described here.
How much is the original game worth?
Prices for older boxed copies vary a lot with edition, completeness and condition, and they change over time. For a realistic figure, check recent sold listings for the exact edition you own rather than relying on a number from an article.
Simple strategy
- Bring pegs out when you can, since more pegs mean more choices.
- Keep one peg back as a flexible option for rolls that would otherwise be wasted.
- Be careful about stopping in front of an opponent’s peg.
Similar games
For the closest relatives, see Trouble, Ludo and Aggravation. For a card version with marbles, try Joker Marbles.
Frequently asked questions
What does the genie do in Frustration?
I could not verify a genie in the standard game. Check your edition’s instructions.
What is the most difficult board game of all time?
That is subjective and not related to Frustration, which is a light family game with simple rules and a lot of luck.
How do you play the board game Worst Case Scenario?
That is a different game; this page covers Frustration only.