The Sorry board game is a classic family game of chance and a bit of strategy, originating from the ancient Indian game “Pachisi.” In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to play Sorry! like a pro: from the rules and strategies to variations and a new drinking game twist perfect for adult gatherings.
Table of Contents
Origins of the Sorry Board Game
The history of Sorry! takes us back to the ancient Indian game Pachisi, a classic “cross and circle” game played on a board where players race to reach the center first.
Sorry! was inspired by this setup and adapted by Parker Brothers, quickly finding its place among the top board games in the U.S. and beyond. Known for its signature “Sorry!” card, which allows players to knock opponents back to the start, the game added a unique twist to its predecessor.
Sorry! became known as a game where revenge and strategy could unfold with each turn, leading to its popularity as both a family staple and a game for all ages.
How to Play the Sorry Board Game
The goal of Sorry! is simple but satisfying: be the first player to move all four of your pawns from the “Start” position to your “Home” space.
The Game Setup
- Players: 2-4
- Contents: Game board, 16 pawns (four per color), deck of 45 cards
- Deck Breakdown: 44 number cards (excluding 6s and 9s) and four special “Sorry!” cards
To start, each player selects a color, places their pawns at the matching “Start,” and shuffles the cards. Players draw the highest card or decide by another method who goes first, with play proceeding clockwise.
Sorry Board Game Rules
Each turn consists of drawing a card and following its move instructions. Moves may allow pawns to move forward or backward, and some cards let players split moves or swap places with opponents.
Moving Rules
- Starting Out: Only a 1 or 2 card lets you leave “Start.”
- Moving Forward: Each card details how many spaces to move or whether you can split the move.
- Bumping: Land on an opponent’s pawn? Bump them back to their “Start!”
- Slides: Landing on a slide? Go for it! Slide until the end of the slide, bumping any pawns in your path (unless it’s your color).
- Safety Zone: Near “Home” is the “Safety Zone,” where pawns can’t be bumped. Only pawns moving clockwise can enter.
Card Breakdown
- 1 and 2: Move one or two spaces (2 allows an extra draw).
- 3-5, 8, and 12: Move forward as many spaces as indicated.
- 4: Move backward four spaces.
- 7: Split seven spaces between two pawns.
- 10: Move forward ten or backward one space.
- 11: Move eleven forward or swap with an opponent.
- Sorry!: Swap a pawn from “Start” with an opponent’s pawn, sending them back to “Start.”
Variations for Extra Fun
- Partners: Pair up! Teams of two (Red/Yellow, Green/Blue) race to get all their pawns “Home” together.
- Points-Based Game: Accumulate points for getting pawns “Home” or keeping opponents’ pawns off.
- Reverse Mode: Start in “Home” and work your way backward to “Start!”
Strategic Tips for Winning the Sorry Board Game
- Timing the “Sorry!” Card for Maximum Impact: The Sorry! card is powerful, but its impact depends on timing. Save it for when an opponent is closest to their finish line to maximize the setback.
- Maximizing Safety Zone Usage: Moving into the Safety Zone as early as possible reduces your risk of being bumped back. If you have more than one pawn near the entrance, focus on advancing the closest one first.
- Card Utilization Strategy: Each card has strategic potential. For example, using a “10” to move backward by one can be useful for moving into the Safety Zone. Also, the “7” card’s split movement can help move multiple pawns out of risky areas in a single turn.
Sorry! Drinking Game Rules (Adults-Only Fun)
For a fun adult twist on the Sorry board game, here’s a set of drinking rules to turn each move into a mini-celebration (or penalty)!
- Card-Based Drinking Rules:
- “Sorry!” Card: When you play a Sorry! card and bump another player, that player takes one drink.
- Backward Card: Any time a player draws a “Move Backward” card (like a 4), they pass a drink to the player on their left.
- Bumping Rules:
- Bumping an Opponent’s Pawn: If you bump someone, they take a drink.
- Getting Bumped: If you’re the one being bumped, take two drinks—it’s a double punishment!
- Safety Zone Celebrations:
- Entering the Safety Zone: When a pawn enters the Safety Zone, the player assigns one drink to another player.
- Winning the Game:
- Victory Cheers: The game’s winner assigns two drinks to any players of their choice as part of the celebration.
Safety Note: Drink responsibly, and feel free to adjust the rules to match the comfort level of your group!
Game Variations and Editions of the Sorry Board Game
Classic vs. Giant Editions
Sorry! comes in several editions, including the classic and oversized Sorry! Giant edition. While gameplay is largely the same, the Giant edition offers an extra thrill with large, sturdy pawns and oversized slides—perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Digital Versions and Limited Editions
For fans who want to play digitally, Sorry! has online versions that allow for quick setup and virtual gameplay. Some Sorry board game limited editions also incorporate unique rules, most Sorry! editions can be found on Amazon, check them out if you’re a collector:
- Sorry! Disney Edition: This edition brings the magic of Disney characters to the game, allowing players to move around the board as beloved icons like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Ariel, and Simba. It’s perfect for Disney fans looking to add a touch of nostalgia to game night.
- Sorry! Simpsons Edition: A crossover with The Simpsons, this version lets players take on the roles of Homer, Marge, Bart, and other characters from Springfield. The board and pieces are designed with themes from the iconic show, adding a fun twist for Simpsons fans.
- Sorry! Not Sorry! Edition: This version amps up the classic game with a daring twist. It includes “dare” cards, encouraging players to perform silly actions, answer questions, or even make other players drink (for adult gatherings). This edition gives Sorry! a party game vibe, making it a perfect addition to adult game nights.
- Sorry! Sliders: A unique take on Sorry!, this edition combines the original game with elements of shuffleboard. Instead of drawing cards, players flick their pieces down a track to score points. It’s a refreshing change for fans who enjoy skill-based games with a little competition.
Sorry! Fire and Ice Edition: Special Rules
The Sorry! Fire and Ice edition, created by Hasbro, introduces thrilling new gameplay twists with “Fire” and “Ice” power-ups, making the race to Home even more intense. Here’s how these special tokens work:
- Fire Token:
- If you receive the Fire token, your pawn gains the power to move twice the number of spaces on each turn, speeding up your journey to Home.
- The Fire token also lets you bump opponents’ pawns along the way, adding an extra edge to your moves.
- The Fire token can be passed to other players if you draw the right card, so watch for chances to keep the fire advantage!
- Ice Token:
- The Ice token “freezes” a pawn in place, meaning the pawn can’t be moved until the Ice token is removed.
- You can use this token strategically to stop an opponent’s pawn from progressing or to protect your own pawn from being bumped.
- Like the Fire token, the Ice token can also be moved around, making it a powerful tool for blocking opponents.
These added tokens give players new ways to plan attacks and defense moves, adding layers of strategy and excitement to the traditional Sorry! gameplay.
Games Similar to Sorry: Recommendations for Fans
- Trouble (also known as Frustration): Similar to Sorry! in movement and gameplay style, Trouble involves a Pop-O-Matic die roller and a comparable pawn race to the finish. It’s a popular choice for fans of Sorry! who enjoy chance and strategy.
- Aggravation: With even more opportunities for strategic “aggravation,” this game lets you bump opponents off the board as you race to bring your marbles home. Like Sorry!, it’s all about blocking others and moving forward with a bit of luck.
- Parcheesi: Known as Sorry!’s historical inspiration, Parcheesi involves dice rolls and similar “cross and circle” mechanics. It’s perfect for those who enjoy classic games with cultural roots.
Sorry! vs. Trouble: Quick Comparison
Sorry! and Trouble are classic, race-to-the-finish games filled with competition, strategy, and a bit of luck. Both are perfect for family game nights, but each has its own twist.
Gameplay Style:
- Sorry!: Players draw cards to move pawns, with the infamous “Sorry!” card letting you bump opponents back. This adds both chance and strategy, as players decide when to play offensively.
- Trouble: Uses the Pop-O-Matic die roller for dice-based movement, relying heavily on luck and quick turns without strategic cards.
Key Differences:
- Movement: Sorry!’s card draws allow for varied moves and strategies; Trouble is purely dice-driven.
- Interaction: Both games have “bumping” mechanics, but Sorry! emphasizes strategic revenge with its “Sorry!” card and Safety Zone. Trouble keeps things simple, with players fully at the mercy of the dice.
- Complexity: Sorry! has a slight edge in strategy, while Trouble is more straightforward and great for younger players.
Best for You:
- Choose Sorry! for a mix of strategy and luck, with more control over moves.
- Pick Trouble if you enjoy fast-paced, dice-based play with minimal rules.
Fun Facts and Trivia About the Sorry Board Game
Did you know Sorry! is a Hollywood favorite?
Yep, Sorry! has appeared in famous shows like Friends and The Simpsons, often in scenes that capture its playful spirit of rivalry. As characters gleefully send each other’s pawns back to Start, Sorry! becomes more than a game—it’s a lighthearted reminder of family game nights and friendly feuds that we can all relate to. No wonder Hollywood loves it!
Did you ever wonder why it’s called “Sorry!”?
The name is pure irony. The whole point is to “bump” opponents back to square one and say “Sorry!”—but of course, it’s the least sincere “sorry” you’ll ever say. With every bump, the game embraces a unique mix of courtesy and competitiveness, where you apologize but secretly revel in your triumph. It’s the perfect name for a game that’s as friendly as it is cutthroat.
Does the Sorry board game design for all ages?
Yes! Since its release in the 1930s, Sorry! has brought generations together for fun, thanks to rules that are easy enough for kids yet strategic enough for adults. It’s the rare game that young kids, teens, and parents can all enjoy equally—making it a classic fixture at family gatherings that sparks a little friendly rivalry, no matter the players’ ages.
Did you know Sorry! has inspired versions worldwide?
Sorry! is so popular that it has inspired similar games across the globe. Countries have their own twists on this “bumping” classic, with local games that embrace the same mechanics of pawns, racing, and, of course, a little friendly sabotage. It’s proof that everyone, everywhere loves a good game of “Gotcha!”
Did you know Sorry!’s tagline is all about revenge?
The iconic tagline, “The Game of Sweet Revenge,” says it all. Sorry! was made for playful payback, allowing you to bump opponents and disrupt their plans while laughing all the way. This simple catchphrase captures the thrill of the game—just enough revenge to make it thrilling but still fun.
Did you know vintage Sorry! sets are collector’s items?
That’s right! Sorry! has dedicated collectors who prize rare editions and original sets. Vintage Sorry! games, with their unique artwork and custom pieces, are now coveted by fans and collectors alike. If you come across an old set, hold onto it—it could be worth more than you think!