This game combines strategy and luck, but strategy is the most important element. Originates from Germany in 1960, called Malefiz designed by Werner Schoppner. For 2 to 4 players; the first person to reach the Goal with any one of his men is the winner! As you make your way through the board you can move barricade pcs (if you land on one) to any open position, creating blocks or protection for your men. Easy to learn, exciting and addicting. Highly recommended. Here are the detailed instructions included with the game: A strategy and luck game; 2-4 Players. Contents:; 5 marbles each in four different colors,11 barricade marbles, 1 Dice, 1 game board; Objective:; Be the first person to get any one of your marbles to the Goal at the top of the board! Preparation:; Each Player chooses 5 marbles of the same color and places them on the matching starting positions.; Then take the barricade marbles and place them on their starting positions on the colored spaces on the playing board. How to Play: Determine who goes first by rolling the dice: highest number goes first, then move left to right to define the playing order; All marbles start their moves from the nearest matching colored dot outside the starting area.; The colored starting spaces are not counted. How to Move:; All marbles may move forward, backward, and sideways.; However, they have to keep the direction during one move, i.e., they may not move forward and backward during one move; The marbles move by the exact number thrown.; You may pass marbles of the same or different color.; Count the field you pass. Striking:; Only one marble may stand on a space.; If a marble lands on a space occupied by another marbles, the latter must be returned home to the starting position. Barricades: Barricades marble are obstacles that may not be passed within a move. Only marbles landing with the exact count on a barricade marble moves it; The player whose marble lands on the barricade marble may now place it on any unoccupied space on the board, except the spaces on the lower row by the starting area; Used cleverly, barricades may not only block other players from proceeding, but also protect your own. End of the game The first player to get one of his marbles to land on the Goal marker with the exact count is the winner. Tactics; The strategy you use in moving the barricade marble is key; Barricades are easier to pass if you group several of your marbles behind them.; Other player’s marbles can best be checked by blocking them so that they can only be moved if they roll a 1; Use barricades to block the Goal if an opponent is approaching. This board is made from 1/2" cabinet grade ply wood with pine corner molding trim. The marbles are glass. Comes with bag to hold marbles and dice, instruction and board which is apr. 15" sq. with felt backing. Color of marbles and felt color may vary. Please look at pic and ask question prior to purchase. GET THIS GAME!