# PitchCar ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1995 - **BGG Rating**: 7.3 - **BGG Rank**: #526 - **Players**: 2-8 (Best with: 6) - **Duration**: 30 min - **Weight**: 1.12 / 5 - **Designers**: Jean du Poël - **Artists**: Jean du Poël - **Publishers**: Ferti, Goldsieber Spiele, Historien Spiele Galerie (Historien Spielegalerie), Lautapelit.fi, Vision - **Categories**: Action / Dexterity, Children's Game, Party Game, Racing, Sports - **Mechanics**: Flicking, Modular Board, Race ## Verdict If you enjoy dexterity games, guaranteed laughs, and a different race every time, PitchCar is the perfect addition to your collection!Pure, fun dexterityEndless modular tracksEasy to learn and playGreat for all agesHigh table interactionRequires table spaceCan be frustrating for someEdition compatibility issuesHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Hey board game enthusiasts! How about a car race where the track is built by you and the speed depends on your aim? PitchCar (and its relative Carabande) is a classic dexterity game that transforms your table into an exciting circuit. Forget the electricity of slot cars; here, the magic happens with your fingertips! You'll construct a race track using large, wooden, puzzle-like pieces that fit together. Then, just grab your 'cars' (small wooden discs) and start flicking them to make them slide around the track. The goal is simple: be the first to cross the finish line, but the journey is full of tight turns, long straights, and, of course, many precise (or not-so-precise!) flicks. PitchCar is a super accessible game, ideal for kids aged 6 and up, but it entertains adults of all ages. The original Ferti edition offers a huge variety of expansions, adding tight curves, crossroads, jumps, and even loops to make the track even crazier. Carabande, produced by Goldsieber, had a single expansion with the 'Action Set'. Keep an eye on the photos: PitchCar usually has red rails, while Carabande comes with yellow/orange rails. Even with some edition differences and compatibility issues between them, the essence is the same: pure fun and lots of dexterity. Get your fingers ready, because the race is about to begin! ## How to Play Objective of the Game Get ready to ignite your engines and unleash your inner Formula 1 driver with PitchCar! This isn't just a race; it's a test of your Fingerspitzengefühl (that's German for "finger-tip feeling"!) as you flick your colorful racing discs around a custom-built track. The goal? Be the first player to complete three full laps of the circuit and cross the finish line! Preparation (Setup) Setting up your PitchCar track is half the fun! Here’s how to get your race started: Sticker Up Your Discs: Before your very first game, apply the stickers to your racing discs (check the sticker sheet!). Build Your Track: The track parts (6 Straight Tracks, 10 Curved Tracks) can be put together in any configuration you like to form a closed race track. Get creative! For your first game, we recommend replicating the track shown in the manual. Insert the Railings: The railings are crucial for an exciting race! Insert them into the side slits of the track parts. Remember, the long railings fit the curve parts, and the short railings fit the straights. You can attach them inside, outside, or vary them as you wish. Place Shared Components: Place the black spacer disc and the scoring pad (with a pen!) in the middle of the table, accessible to all players. Distribute Racing Discs: Each player receives a racing disc. If you're playing with 2 to 4 players, each player can also choose to play with two discs of the same color. Determine First Player: The youngest player gets racing disc number 1 and starts the race! The Turn of Play A game of PitchCar unfolds over three thrilling laps. Here’s how a turn works: Starting the Race: The player with number 1 places their racing disc directly behind the start/finish line and flicks it across the track as far as possible with a finger. Player Order: After the first player, all other players follow in the order of their start numbers (2, 3, 4, etc.). Continuing the Race: Once all racing discs have been moved, it’s the turn of player number 1 again, regardless of their current position on the track. The turns continue in numerical order (1, 2, 3, etc.). Flicking Technique: The core of PitchCar is the flick! You flick the fingernail side of your finger, placing it very close to the racing disc. It's a flick, not a push! Completing a Lap: When a player fully crosses the finish line with a racing disc, completing a lap, they immediately mark it on the scoring pad. Special Situations on the Track The race isn't always smooth sailing! Here's how to handle common scenarios: Creating Distance (Family Game Rule): If your disc is stuck against a railing or another car, you can use the black spacer disc to move your disc approximately 1 cm away. Push the spacer disc upright between your racing disc and the obstacle. You cannot move another player's disc when doing this. Touching Other Racing Discs: It's not forbidden to hit other players' discs with your own, changing their position. Shooting Discs Off Track (by others): If you "jostle" another player's disc off the track, your move is invalid. You must return your disc to its original position before the flick, and your turn ends. The player whose disc was knocked off returns their disc to its original position. Shooting Your Own Disc Off Track (by your own fault): If you flick your own disc off the track, your turn is also invalid and ends. You must return your disc to its original position. Flipping Your Own Disc Over (by your own fault): If your disc flips over and lands sticker-side down, you must sit out your next move. When it's your turn again, simply flip your disc back over. Other players can still move your flipped disc by hitting it. If a flipped disc flies off the track, return it to its previous position, still sticker-side down. End of Game and Scoring The tension builds as the laps count down! Winning the Race: The game ends as soon as the first player completes their third lap. That player is the winner! Continuing for Others: Other players continue their turns until all racing discs have passed the finish line for their third lap. Tips for Winning Want to leave your opponents in the dust? Here are a couple of pro tips: Master the Flick: Practice makes perfect! Experiment with your index, middle, or even thumb to find the most controlled and powerful flick. Remember, it's a quick, decisive flick, not a push. Utilize the Railings: Experienced players learn to bounce their discs off the railings or slide along them to cover significant distances with a single flick. This "railing or collision technique" is key for maintaining optimal position, especially in tricky spots. ## FAQ ### How many players can join a PitchCar race? PitchCar is super flexible and accommodates 2 to 8 players, making it perfect for gathering a crowd and having an exciting race! ### What is the minimum recommended age for PitchCar? The fun starts from age 6! The rules are very simple and the flicking mechanic is intuitive, so kids pick it up quickly. ### How long does a game of PitchCar last? Games are quick and exciting, usually lasting between 30 and 40 minutes. It's ideal for multiple rounds or fitting between other games. ### Can I build different tracks every game? Absolutely! One of PitchCar's great features is its modular board. You can create unique track layouts in every game, ensuring high replayability. ### Is PitchCar a very complex game? Not at all! It has a very low complexity rating (1.1208/5 on BGG), meaning it's super easy to learn and play, perfect for newcomers and those looking for something light. ### What are the main components of the game? You'll find discs representing the cars, track pieces (straights and curves) to build the circuit, rail pieces for the track edges, and a rule sheet with suggested layouts. Everything is very robust and built to withstand many flicks! ### Are PitchCar and Carabande the same game? Can I mix their pieces? They are very similar in concept, but not fully compatible. PitchCar and Carabande pieces have slight differences that prevent direct mixing, although adapters exist for some PitchCar versions. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 57.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=151368&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 58.85 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4739729&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 58.91 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=7049714&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 64.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6564675&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 66.98 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=100986&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 70.09 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=996514&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 72.65 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1015434&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 76.67 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3437980&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 79.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=489581&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 87.97 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6535709&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/1985/pitchcar?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com