Stay Alive

(Unknown), Child's Play (International) Ltd, Dal Negro · Board game · 1965

4.8 Ludopedia 5.1 BGG 2–4 · best 2, 4 30 min Weight 1.2/5

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4.8 rating Ludopedia

5.1 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

A classic abstract game that tests your aim and your luck! If you enjoy quick games with player elimination and a touch of "what if I risk a little more?", you'll love 'Stay Alive'.

Highlights

Sharp abstract strategy
Fast and tense games
Simple rules, tactical depth

Keep in mind

Player elimination can bother
Luck plays a role
Older visual style

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a classic that tests your cunning and a bit of luck! In 'Stay Alive' (or 'Armadilha', as some know it), you have a 7x7 board filled with sliding tracks, each with different positions and some strategic holes. The objective is simple: see who can keep their marbles on the board the longest, while trying to knock off the opponents'.

On your turn, you'll move one of these tracks, changing the positions of the holes. The trick is to create traps for your opponents, causing their marbles to fall off the board. It's an abstract chess-like game with a 'push your luck' element, where each move can be your salvation or your downfall. The tension builds as the board gets emptier and the options become more limited.

With super easy-to-learn rules and quick games, 'Stay Alive' is perfect for those looking for a strategic game that doesn't take all night. It's the kind of game where you play one round, and immediately want to play another, and another... Ideal for those who enjoy abstract games with player elimination and a dash of luck. If you like thinking ahead and watching your opponents fall into your traps, this game is for you! The simplicity of the design hides surprising tactical depth, ensuring fun for the whole family or for a casual game night.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players

2 BEST

3 REC

4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher (Unknown), Child's Play (International) Ltd, Dal Negro, Globo Giocattoli, Hasbro, MB Giochi, MB Jeux, MB Juegos, MB Spellen, MB Spiele, Milton Bradley, Nilco S.A., Top Games, Trixy Games, Winning Moves Games (USA)

Designer Gordon A. Barlow

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,168owners

71wishlist

13want 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 your marbles on the board, eliminating opponents by creating traps with the holes in the sliding tracks.

How many people can play?

The game is for 2 to 4 players.

How long does a game take?

Games are quite fast, usually lasting around 30 minutes.

Is the game difficult to learn?

No, the rules are very simple and straightforward, making it easy for new players to jump into the game quickly.

Does it require a lot of strategy or is it just luck?

It's a mix! There's a lot of strategy in positioning the tracks and anticipating moves, but luck also comes into play when the holes align.

What happens when my marbles fall off?

When a marble falls off, it is eliminated from the game. If you lose all your marbles, you are out of the match.

Who is this game most recommended for?

It's ideal for those who enjoy abstract, strategic games that aren't too long. It also appeals to those who don't mind player elimination and like a bit of 'push your luck'.