Sorry! Not Sorry: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Board Game

Sorry! is a classic board game enjoyed by families and friends for generations. Simple to learn yet surprisingly strategic, it offers hours of entertainment and friendly competition. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play Sorry!, from setting up the board to mastering advanced strategies. Get ready to slide, bump, and apologize (or not!) as you embark on your journey to victory.

What is Sorry!?

Sorry! is a board game for 2 to 4 players where the objective is to be the first player to get all four of your pawns from your start area to your home area. Players move their pawns around the board based on cards drawn from a central deck. The game involves strategic blocking, bumping opponents back to their start, and utilizing special card actions to gain an advantage.

What You’ll Need

• Sorry! Game Board: The board consists of a track with spaces numbered 1 to 30, four colored start areas, four colored home areas, and eight colored safety zones.
• Pawns: Each player chooses a color (usually red, yellow, blue, or green) and receives four pawns of that color.
• Card Deck: The card deck contains cards numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and Sorry! cards. Each card dictates how many spaces a player can move their pawn.

Setting Up the Game

1. Place the Game Board: Put the game board in the center of the playing area, easily accessible to all players.
2. Choose Colors: Each player chooses a color and takes the four pawns of that color.
3. Place Pawns in Start: All players place their four pawns in their corresponding colored start area.
4. Shuffle the Cards: Thoroughly shuffle the card deck and place it face down within reach of all players.

How to Play Sorry!: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that the game is set up, let’s delve into the rules and gameplay.

1. Starting the Game

The player to go first is often determined randomly (e.g., rolling a die or drawing a high card). Play then proceeds clockwise.

2. Drawing a Card

On your turn, draw the top card from the card deck and follow the instructions on the card. The card determines how many spaces you can move one of your pawns.

3. Understanding the Cards

Each card has a specific meaning and affects gameplay in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of each card type:

• 1 Card: Move one pawn forward one space. A 1 card is also needed to move a pawn from Start onto the main track. If you don’t have a pawn on the board you must draw either a 1 or a 2 to get one out.
• 2 Card: Move one pawn forward two spaces. You also get to draw again after moving. A 2 card is also needed to move a pawn from Start onto the main track. If you don’t have a pawn on the board you must draw either a 1 or a 2 to get one out.
• 3 Card: Move one pawn forward three spaces.
• 4 Card: Move one pawn backward four spaces. You must have a pawn on the board to use this card. If moving backward would cause you to land on your own color slide, you do not slide.
• 5 Card: Move one pawn forward five spaces.
• 7 Card: You can either move one pawn forward seven spaces or split the seven spaces between any two of your pawns. For example, you could move one pawn forward four spaces and another pawn forward three spaces. You must use the entire seven spaces. If you only have one pawn on the board, you must move it seven spaces.
• 8 Card: Move one pawn forward eight spaces.
• 10 Card: Move one pawn forward ten spaces or move one pawn backward one space. You can choose whichever option is more advantageous.
• 11 Card: Move one pawn forward eleven spaces or switch places with an opponent’s pawn. The opponent’s pawn must be on the main track. You cannot switch with a pawn in Start, Safety Zone, or Home. You choose which action to take.
• 12 Card: Move one pawn forward twelve spaces.
• Sorry! Card: Take one pawn from your Start and bump any opponent’s pawn back to their Start. The opponent’s pawn must be on the main track. If you do not have any pawns in your Start you cannot use the Sorry! card. If there are no opponent’s pawns on the main track, you forfeit your turn (discard the Sorry! card).

4. Moving Your Pawns

When moving your pawns, keep the following rules in mind:

• Moving Forward: Pawns move in a clockwise direction around the board.
• Landing on an Opponent: If you land on a space occupied by an opponent’s pawn (except in the safety zone), you bump their pawn back to their Start.
• Landing on Your Own Pawn: You cannot land on your own pawn. If you are forced to land on your own pawn, you must move the required number of spaces in the opposite direction (if possible) or forfeit your turn.
• Safety Zones: The colored areas leading to your Home are called Safety Zones. Only your own pawns can enter your Safety Zone. Once in the Safety Zone, you cannot be bumped. You can only enter your Safety Zone by direct count. You can not overshoot the entrance.
• Home: To get a pawn into Home, you must land on the space by exact count. If you draw a card that would move you past Home, you cannot move that pawn. You would instead need to move another pawn if you can, or forfeit the turn.

5. Slides

Slides are special spaces on the board that allow you to move your pawn quickly. Each slide has two squares of the same color and a star to indicate the start of the slide. When you land on the square at the start of a slide (indicated by a star), you automatically slide your pawn to the end of the slide. If an opponent’s pawn is on any space of the slide, they are bumped back to their Start. Pawns are only bumped when using a slide if they are on the slide when another pawn starts the slide. If you land on the END of a slide, nothing happens.

6. Winning the Game

The first player to get all four of their pawns into their Home area wins the game. You must get each pawn into Home by exact count. Remember you cannot overshoot the space.

Strategic Tips and Tricks for Sorry!

While Sorry! has an element of luck, strategic thinking can significantly improve your chances of winning. Here are some tips to help you master the game:

• Prioritize Getting Pawns Out of Start: The sooner you get your pawns on the board, the more opportunities you have to move them and block opponents.
• Block Opponents: Strategically position your pawns to block opponents and prevent them from moving forward.
• Use Slides to Your Advantage: Slides can be used to quickly advance your pawns or bump opponents back to their Start. Consider using a slide defensively.
• Save Your Sorry! Cards: Sorry! cards are powerful tools for disrupting your opponents and advancing your own game. Use them wisely to bump opponents who are close to their Home or to get a pawn out of your own Start when you need it most.
• Plan Ahead: Think about the potential consequences of your moves. Consider how your actions might affect your opponents and plan accordingly.
• Use the 7 Card Strategically: The 7 card offers flexibility. Use it to move a pawn a long distance, or to move two pawns a short distance each.
• Be Mindful of the 4 and 10 Cards: These cards can be used defensively. For example, the 4 card can be used to avoid an opponent’s slide. The 10 card can be used to move backwards one space and block an opponent or get into your safety zone.
• Consider Switching Places with the 11 Card: This card can be advantageous if you are behind or if it allows you to bump an opponent back to start.
• Defense is Key: Don’t just focus on moving your own pawns forward. Protecting your pawns and disrupting your opponents’ progress are equally important.
• Adapt to the Situation: The game’s dynamics can change quickly. Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the cards you draw and the actions of your opponents.

Variations and House Rules

Sorry! is a versatile game that can be adapted to suit different preferences. Here are some common variations and house rules:

• Partners: Play with partners. Teammates sit across from each other. The first team to get all eight pawns into home wins.
• Card Swapping: Allow players to swap cards with each other.
• Double Start: Require players to draw two 1 or 2 cards to get a pawn out of Start.
• Home Sweet Home: If a player lands on their own Home space before all their pawns are home, they can move a pawn from Start directly to Home.
• Forgiveness Rule: If you bump your own pawn back to start, you get to draw an extra card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can I move a pawn out of start with a card other than a 1 or 2?

   A: No, you must draw a 1 or a 2 card to move a pawn out of your Start area.

2. Q: What happens if I run out of cards in the draw pile?

   A: Reshuffle the discard pile to create a new draw pile.

3. Q: Can I move backwards into my safety zone?

   A: No. You may only enter your safety zone by direct count moving forward.

4. Q: What happens if I have to move a pawn, but I don’t have any legal moves?

   A: You forfeit your turn and discard the card.

5. Q: Can I bump an opponent’s pawn in their safety zone?

   A: No, pawns in the safety zone are safe from being bumped.

6. Q: If I draw a Sorry! card and don’t have any pawns in my Start, can I still use the card?

   A: No. You can only use a Sorry! card if you have a pawn in your Start to move onto the board and bump an opponent.

7. Q: If I draw a Sorry! card and there are no opponent pawns on the board, can I still use the card?

   A: No. You must have an opponent’s pawn to bump. If there are no opponent pawns to bump, you forfeit your turn.

8. Q: Can I split the movement of a 7 card between more than two pawns?

   A: No. You can only split the movement of the 7 card between two pawns at most. You must use the entire seven points.

9. Q: What happens if I land on the end of a slide?

   A: Nothing happens. Only landing on the start of the slide triggers the slide and the bump of any other pieces on the slide.

Conclusion

Sorry! is a fun and engaging board game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. With its simple rules and strategic gameplay, it offers hours of entertainment and friendly competition. By following this comprehensive guide and mastering the tips and tricks outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Sorry! champion. So gather your friends and family, break out the board, and get ready to slide, bump, and apologize (or not!) your way to victory!