# Ratrace

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1967
- **BGG Rating**: 5.8
- **BGG Rank**: #23288
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 1.56 / 5
- **Designers**: Alfons Rubbens
- **Publishers**: Canada Games Company Lmt., Gibsons, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, H. P. Gibson & Sons, Holdsworth Thos & Sons, House of Games Corporation, Limited, TyR, Waddington Sanders Ltd., Waddingtons, Yetem S.A.
- **Categories**: Economic
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Roll / Spin and Move

## Verdict
Ratrace is that classic game that throws you right into the race for status and money, with a touch of humor and plenty of twists. If you enjoy a social and economic "ups and downs" experience, with auctions and financial decisions, you'll have a lot of fun. It's a game that makes you think about life's choices, but in a light and relaxed way, ideal for an afternoon with friends who don't take themselves too seriously.Fun social climbingEngaging auction mechanicImpactful financial decisionsReal-life simulationsPlayer interactionDice luck dependentCan be repetitiveTheme may not appeal to allRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Ratrace, or "Le fortuniste" as it's known in French, the goal is clear: social climbing! You start life in the working class, with some cash, a credit card, and a small business. Your big objective is to leave the periphery and reach high society, passing through the middle class. The path is full of challenges that resemble real life: managing your business, paying taxes, investing in education, and even joining social clubs. Victory arrives when you retire with a fortune of $100,000.

The game has an interesting system for businesses: with six players, all businesses are already owned; with fewer, the Treasury controls the remaining ones. If playing with only two or three, each player can start with two businesses. These businesses sell "Status Symbols," essential for moving up in life, in addition to other purchases. The credit card has no limit, but beware: landing on a "Credit Due" space means paying everything off, plus 10% interest! And if bankruptcy knocks on the door, it's time to start over.

To enter the middle class, you need $500, three status symbols, and either a night school diploma or a country club membership. Marriage is also an option! Status symbols that no longer suit your new class are auctioned off. For high society, the requirement is $3000, three status symbols, and either a university diploma or a yacht club membership. And yes, you can marry again, but watch out for divorce spaces! It's a game that makes you bite and claw your way to the top, simulating real-life anxieties with a touch of humor.

## FAQ
### What is the main objective in Ratrace?
The objective is to climb the social ladder, starting in the working class and reaching high society, then retiring with $100,000.

### How many players can participate in a game?
Ratrace can be played by 2 to 6 players, and the initial business setup changes depending on the number of participants.

### How long does a game of Ratrace last?
A game typically takes about 90 minutes, but it can vary slightly depending on player speed and dice luck.

### Is it a complex game to learn?
No, the game is considered to have light complexity (BGG weight of 1.5556/5), making the basic rules easy to learn and start playing.

### What are the main components of the game?
The game includes a board with different social class rings, money, credit cards, status symbols, dice, and player/business tokens.

### Who is Ratrace recommended for?
It's recommended for those who enjoy light economic games with a touch of luck and interaction, and who appreciate the theme of social climbing and financial management in a relaxed way.

### Does the game rely heavily on luck?
Yes, the roll-and-move mechanic adds a significant element of luck, which may appeal to some players more than others, depending on their play style.