Mensch ärgere Dich Nicht Für 6 Personen Selber Basteln

Willkommen! You're looking for a fun, authentic German experience? Look no further! We're going to show you how to create your own six-player version of "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht," Germany's beloved board game. It's perfect for a game night with friends, a family activity, or even a unique souvenir to take back home. Forget expensive tourist traps – this is a genuinely immersive and creative project!

What is "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht"?

Before we dive into the DIY process, let's understand what makes this game so special. "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" translates literally to "Don't Get Annoyed, Man!" (or "Don't Get Angry, Man!"). It’s a simple but addictive dice-rolling race game, similar to Ludo or Parcheesi. The goal is to move all your pieces around the board and into your "home" spaces before your opponents do. The twist? Players can knock each other's pieces off the board, sending them back to the start – which, of course, can be quite infuriating, hence the name! It's a classic for a reason – it's easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic depth and hilarious moments.

Why a Six-Player Version?

Most commercially available "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" games are designed for four players. However, for larger groups or families, a six-player version makes the game even more exciting and social. Creating your own allows you to customize the game exactly to your preferences.

Gather Your Supplies

Don't worry, you don't need to be a master craftsman to pull this off. Here's what you'll need:

A large piece of cardboard or plywood: At least 60cm x 60cm (approximately 24 inches x 24 inches) is ideal for comfortable gameplay. You can find suitable cardboard at most packaging stores, or recycle a large box.
Ruler or measuring tape: For accurate measurements.
Pencil: For sketching the board layout.
Markers, paint, or colored pencils: To decorate the board and distinguish the playing areas. Consider using vibrant colors for each player.
Six different sets of playing pieces: You'll need four pieces per player, so a total of 24 pieces. You can use buttons, small stones, bottle caps, LEGO bricks, or anything else you can find. Just make sure they are easily distinguishable by color or shape.
Dice: One standard six-sided die.
Optional:
- Compass or circular stencils for drawing neat circles.
- Varnish or sealant to protect the finished board.
- Felt or other material for the bottom of the playing pieces to prevent scratching.

Creating Your Own "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" Board: Step-by-Step

Here's a detailed guide to constructing your game board:

Sketch the Basic Layout:
Start by drawing a square on your cardboard or plywood. This will be the main playing track. Divide the square into four equal sides. This is where it starts to differ from the classic version.

Now, for each side, you need to determine the number of spaces. A standard game uses 40 spaces. To make it easily divisible for six players and to keep gameplay reasonably quick, we recommend using 48 spaces on the main track. This allows for 8 spaces per player section. Therefore, each side of the square will have 12 spaces (48 spaces / 4 sides = 12 spaces per side).

Mark these spaces clearly with your pencil. These will be where the players move their pieces.
Draw the Starting and Home Areas:
Each player needs a starting area and a home area. The starting areas are typically located at the corners of the square. Divide each corner into six equal sections to accommodate each player's starting pieces. These should be large enough to comfortably hold all four playing pieces.

The home areas are extensions of the main track, leading to the center of the board. Each player's home area consists of four spaces. These spaces should be drawn inwards from their corresponding starting area, directly connecting to their section of the main track. Make sure the home areas are clearly separated from the main track and each other.
Connect the Home Areas to the Main Track:
Each player needs a designated entry point onto the main track from their starting area. This is usually located one or two spaces clockwise from their corner/starting area. Mark this entry point clearly.

Draw a separate path connecting the entry point to the beginning of their home area. These paths are crucial because only a roll of a six will allow a player to move a piece from their starting area onto the main track via this special path.
Define the Color Scheme:
Assign a unique color to each player. This will help differentiate their pieces, starting areas, and home areas. Popular choices include red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. Use your markers, paint, or colored pencils to fill in the starting areas, home areas, and the path to the main track with the assigned colors. Make sure the colors are vibrant and easily distinguishable.
Decorate and Personalize:
This is where you can get creative! Add any additional decorations or personal touches you like. You could draw fun characters, write the players' names in their colored zones, or add borders to the board.
Finishing Touches (Optional):
To protect your board and make it more durable, consider applying a coat of varnish or sealant. This will prevent the colors from fading and protect the cardboard or plywood from wear and tear.

For the playing pieces, you can glue small pieces of felt to the bottom to prevent them from scratching the board.

Rules of "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" (Six-Player Version)

The basic rules remain the same as the standard version, with a few minor adjustments:

Starting the Game: Each player starts with four pieces in their starting area.
Rolling the Dice: Players take turns rolling the die. A player must roll a six to move a piece from their starting area onto the entry space on the main track. If a player has no pieces on the main track, they must keep rolling until they roll a six (up to three attempts in some variations – agree on this rule beforehand).
Moving Pieces: Once a piece is on the main track, a player moves it the number of spaces indicated by the die roll. Pieces move clockwise around the board.
Knocking Out Opponents: If a piece lands on a space occupied by an opponent's piece, the opponent's piece is sent back to their starting area.
Safe Spaces: Some variations include safe spaces (often marked with a star or other symbol) where pieces cannot be knocked out. Decide if you want to include these and where they should be located.
Entering the Home Area: Once a piece has completed a full circuit of the main track, it can enter its home area. A player must roll the exact number needed to move a piece into the home spaces. If the roll is too high, the piece cannot enter the home area and must continue around the main track. Pieces move upwards into the home area, one space per roll.
Winning the Game: The first player to get all four of their pieces into their home area wins the game.

Important Rule Variations to Discuss:

Three Sixes in a Row: What happens if a player rolls three sixes in a row? Some variations require the player to return their piece to the starting area or skip a turn. Agree on this rule before starting.
Blocking: Can players block each other's entry points by placing multiple pieces on them?

Tips and Tricks for a Fun Game

Here are some tips to make your "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" experience even more enjoyable:

Strategic Blocking: Use your pieces to block your opponents' progress. A well-placed piece can force an opponent to take a longer route around the board.
Protect Your Pieces: Avoid leaving your pieces vulnerable to being knocked out. Try to keep them close to other pieces or on safe spaces (if you're playing with them).
Prioritize Home Run: Once your pieces are nearing the end of the track, focus on getting them into your home area as quickly as possible.
Don't Get Angry! Remember, it's just a game! Even if you get knocked out repeatedly, try to keep a good sense of humor. "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht!" after all.
Embrace the Chaos: With six players, the game can get pretty chaotic. Embrace the unexpected twists and turns. It's all part of the fun!
Add Some German Flair: Play some German music in the background, serve some German snacks (like pretzels or Lebkuchen), and try to use some German phrases during the game. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture!

Where to Find Inspiration

If you need some visual inspiration, search online for images of "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" boards. You'll find a wide variety of designs, from traditional to modern and artistic. You can also visit local toy stores or games shops to see commercially available versions of the game.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own six-player "Mensch ärgere Dich nicht" game is a rewarding and memorable experience. It's a chance to tap into your creativity, spend time with friends and family, and learn about a beloved German tradition. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to have some fun! Viel Spaß! (Have fun!) This DIY project will not only give you a personalized game but also a great conversation starter and a unique piece of German culture to cherish. Remember to be patient and enjoy the process. The end result will be a one-of-a-kind game that you and your loved ones can enjoy for years to come. You can even use the game as a souvenir and tell the story behind it every time you play.

Prost and happy gaming!