The Thrift Report
I had a mini-slump in thrift finds in August of 2007 until I ran across a stack of new games at a Value Village. Among the games I picked up that day was Chaseback.

This Milton Bradly offering comes from a time that land forgot -- the early 1960's -- and has a very retro look to it. The box is quite large, longer and wider than most boxes I've seen, though not as deep. It intrigued me with its promise of 'no-luck' boldly proclaimed on the box. I absolutely love the obscure abstract games, and I don't think they get much more obscure than this!

There was no question that I'd pick this up. The only question was, is it worth the $3 I paid for this? Would I keep it? Let's find out!

Game Overview
Two players maneuver pawns up and down five tracks in an attempt to score goals on their opponent. The first to 15 goals wins.

Components
The box contains 5 large plastic pawns, one for each track on the board, and two smaller pawns used for marking points scored. The box in unusual in that the bottom is actually a sealed box unto itself. This is the playing surface, and has 5 tracks printed on it upon which the large pawns. Two smaller tracks are used to keep score.

The components are nice, but the box is much larger than it needs to be since the board does not fold. The 'box bottom as the board' is an interesting idea, but it does leave the game susceptible to bumps. As the box does not have much weight, it is easy to knock it, and the pawns atop it, askew as you reach across the table.

The rules are included on the inside of the box top. They are well written and easy to follow, which isn't altogether surprising for a simple abstract game.


(Left: The massive, non-folding board. Right: A game in action)

Gameplay
Players try to maneuver the pawns to the opponent's scoring area. Each of the five tracks will have one pawn. When one of the pawns reaches the space in their track closest to a player (by exact count) his opponent scores 1 point. The first to 15 points wins the game.

All the pawns start in the center row of their track. One player will announce a number between 1 and 6. His opponent will then move a pawn that number of spaces towards either end of the board. The number this pawn lands on will determine the number of spaces the next pawn must move. The player moves three pawns in this manner and then control passes to his opponent. Play continues in this manner with each player moving three pawns, and each pawn moving the number of spaces indicated by the end position of the previous pawn.

Two restrictions exist on which pawns can move. The first pawn you move cannot be the last pawn your opponent moved. Also, there exists two 'safe spots' in each track, one on each player's side of the board. While a pawn is on a safe spot, only the player on that side of the board may move the pawn.

A player scores a point when he moves a pawn onto the last space in front of his opponent. The pawn is then returned to the middle row and play continues until a player scores 15 points.

The track spaces have numbers from 1 to 6, and each track has these in different orders. The tracks are rotationally symmetric along the center line, so each player is faced with the same configuration. The spaces in the center line, though unnumbered, are treated as if it were labeled with a '4'.

The game is a bit of a tug-of-war but requires players to look ahead in order to be successful. It plays quickly and games are usually very close. Often, taking a point will set your opponent up to score on you and momentum can change through the game in interesting ways. At times, all pieces will be on one side of the board until one player scores, and soon after the other side will be holding most of the pawns.

The game is accessible to kids and adults alike. It is possible to analyze each play to optimize your moves, or you can play a little more "fast and furious - let's see what happens" and still have a good time.

Playing With Children
The box recommends ages 10+, but younger players can easily understand and enjoy this game.

The game is perfectly suitable for young children and can help them develop planning and decision making skills. The game is fast enough, and competitive enough, that children are not likely to be bored of it before the end game. If this is a concern, you can easily shorten the game by reducing the number of goals needed to win.

This is, of course, a total abstract game. Children (and adults) who do not like abstracts are unlikely to take to this one.

Who Will Like This Game
If you're looking for a light, fast abstract game that children can also enjoy, this is a perfect fit. This assumes you have the room to house the box.

Thoughts
While I really like this game, I hate the box. It is far, far, too large for what the game gives you. If the box had a smaller footprint, I would consider this a great find, and if it could somehow fit in your pocket it would be outstanding. As it stands, this game is in serious danger of being re-thrifted, simply because it takes up so much space.

Summary
Components: Good, but the box is far to large for what the game gives.
Gameplay: Fast, light, suitable for young children and adults. Pure zero-luck abstract.
Rules: Very Good
Value: Gameplay value exceeds cost, but size of box makes it a borderline keeper.
Recommendation: At thrift prices, pick it up if you like abstracts and can house the monstrously large box.

About Thrifty Reviews
These reviews are for games that are not well represented on this site and are most likely to be found in thrift stores or other second hand sources. The intent of Thrifty Reviews is two-fold: First is the desire to document under represented games and second is to help fellow thrifters gauge potential purchases. Absolutely anyone is welcome to write a Thrifty Review.