Mouse Trap

Arxon, Aurimagic, Basic Fun, Inc. · Board game · 1963
6.6 Ludopedia 4.1 BGG 2–4 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.1/5
Buy
6.6 rating Ludopedia
4.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Mouse Trap is that classic that marked many people's childhoods and continues to be a fun option for kids (and nostalgic adults!). If you're looking for a light game, with a touch of luck and a contraption that's pure fun to assemble and watch in action, you've found it! It's an experience more about the journey of building and interacting with the trap than about deep strategy, perfect for introducing little ones to the world of board games.

Highlights
  • Fun 3D contraption
  • Simple to learn
  • Great for kids
  • Guaranteed nostalgia
  • Direct interaction
Keep in mind
  • Lots of luck involved
  • Low strategy
  • Can be repetitive
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a hilarious and trap-filled adventure in Mouse Trap, where 2 to 4 players take on the role of cunning mice trying to survive a crazy contraption! The goal is simple: be the last mouse not to fall into the trap. But getting there is the fun part, because the game is actually a race to build the mousetrap itself as you move around the board. Inspired by Rube Goldberg machines, this complex trap is assembled piece by piece, and with each move, the tension builds. In addition to building, mice also seek cheese cards, which give them a boost to move other mice to the bait space, the giant cheese awaiting the next victim. Once the contraption is complete, the hunt truly begins! Players can try to capture each other's mice by turning a crank, activating the mousetrap. If everything works as planned, the unlucky mouse is caught and out of the game. The main appeal of Mouse Trap is, without a doubt, the mousetrap itself. It's an absurdly complex construction that, somehow, even children can assemble by following the instructions on the board. And the best part? Watching the contraption do its 'magic' is always a spectacle, bringing laughter and memorable moments to the table. It's worth noting that the game has gone through several versions over the years, with some changes in rules and components, but the essence of fun and the contraption remains!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

5 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Mice Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Components: Gears Components: Marbles Game: Mouse Trap Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame Series: World's Smallest (Super Impulse)
Publisher Arxon, Aurimagic, Basic Fun, Inc., Croner, El Greco, Hasbro, Ideal, JAK, MB Jeux, MB Juegos, MB peli, MB Spellen, MB Spiele, MB spill, Milton Bradley, Super Impulse
Designer Burt Meyer, Gordon A. Barlow, Harvey "Hank" Kramer, Marvin Glass
Artist (Uncredited)

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,694owners
109wishlist
6want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to be the last player with a mouse on the board, avoiding being caught by the complex mousetrap.
How many players can participate?
Mouse Trap can be played by 2 to 4 players.
What is the recommended age range?
It's a children's game, generally recommended for ages 6 and up, but adults can also enjoy the nostalgia.
Is the game very complex?
The rules are quite simple and easy to learn. The 'complexity' lies more in assembling the 3D contraption, which is part of the fun.
How long does a game last?
A game of Mouse Trap usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and luck with the dice.
Do I need to assemble the mousetrap before starting the game?
In classic versions, the mousetrap is built progressively as players move around the board. Some newer versions might require pre-assembly.
Is it a game of luck or strategy?
Mouse Trap has a strong luck component due to dice rolling. Strategy is minimal, focused more on positioning and using cheese cards.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games