The Checkered Game of Life

D. B. Brooks & Brother, Fratelli Fabbri Editori (Fabbri Editore), Milton Bradley · Board game · 1860

1–2 · best 0+ Solo — Weight 2.3/5

— rating Ludopedia

4.5 rating BGG

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— rating Ludopedia

4.5 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy board games with a foot in history and a touch of strategic luck, this one's for you! It's the great-grandfather of the Game of Life, with vintage charm and movement choices that make it more interesting than a simple roll and move.

Highlights

Historical precursor to Game of Life
Movement choice mechanic
Vintage charm and nostalgia
Simple to learn and play

Keep in mind

High luck dependency
May feel slow today
Little strategic depth

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Straight from the mists of 1860, when even good old Abraham Lincoln sported a philosopher-worthy beard, comes "The Checkered Game of Life." Milton Bradley, a printer with a nose for business, saw his beardless Lincoln product line turn to dust and decided to innovate in the board game world. Inspired by "Snakes and Ladders," but with a strategic twist that would make even Honest Abe smile, this game invites you to navigate a board full of virtues and vices. Each turn, you spin a top to discover how many spaces you can move, but the magic happens when you consult a chart that gives you a few movement options. No dull, straight paths here! If you land on a space that earns you points, record it on your chart. The first to accumulate 100 points shouts "Victory!" Think of it as the charming and somewhat more complex great-grandfather of the "Game of Life" we know today, created by the same company bearing its inventor's name. It's a nostalgic journey and a history lesson in games, all wrapped in a vintage design that wins you over with its simplicity and charm.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

In English

How Milton Bradley saved us all and revolutionized the Board Game industry! BGG Watch on YouTube

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players

1 OK

2 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher D. B. Brooks & Brother, Fratelli Fabbri Editori (Fabbri Editore), Milton Bradley

Designer Milton Bradley

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

34owners

20wishlist

2want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

How many players can participate?

The game is designed for 2 to ? players. The exact number might vary depending on the edition or adaptation, but the idea is for multiple people to play together.

How long does a game typically last?

There's no exact time set, but as it's an older game with roll-and-move mechanics, it can take around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on luck and the number of players.

Is this game difficult to learn?

Not at all! The rules are quite simple, focusing on spinning, consulting a chart, and moving. It's easy to pick up and play, perfect for those who don't want complexity.

What is the main objective of the game?

The goal is to be the first player to accumulate 100 points by navigating the different spaces on the board, which represent virtues and vices.

Who is this game recommended for?

It's ideal for those who enjoy games with a historical touch, fans of the original "Game of Life," or anyone looking for a light and nostalgic board game experience without much complexity.

Are the components very different from modern games?

Yes, the design is very characteristic of its era, with a board that might seem simpler and a spinning mechanism instead of dice. It's part of its historical charm!