Scrye Magazine
Ray Sidman
March 2005
USA

The kingdom of “Couldn’t Be Easier” has a new champion. The speedy game Easy Come, Easy Go, designed by Reiner Knizia, and illustrated by John Kovalic, is a great way to bone up on your odds making math skill while making for a fun, replayable episode of roll the bones.

Settle an argument, pass a commercial break, learn to count to five the Mayan way (the dice sides are marked zero through five, whatever.

The box says it’s for ages 8 to adult, but ages 5 and up can handle it with a little mathematical help; the concepts and winning conditions are that simple. It’s also fun for adults, with our without the wee ones playing.

You try to accumulate three prizes and hold them for one full turn. The nine prizes are based on rolling different combinations on the dice: straights, pairs, total of 17 or more or three or less; and more.

It’s more than just one roll per turn. Each time you roll, you have to freeze (ergo, not reroll) at least one die. That’s as complex as it gets.

Two-player games can be finished in just minutes, while 4-player games can take up to a half hour. The average is a 10-15 minute game.

All the game pieces are sturdy and stand up to even youngsters handling. (I checked. Repeatedly.)

For Knizia fans used to his more cerebral efforts, give this a try. He does not fail to entertain with Easy Come, Easy Go. and Kovalic’s art is an excellent compliment to the game.

Final Word: Simplicity in gaming says it all. If you enjoy (or even tolerate) dice, basic math, and competition, then let the good times roll.

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