OPERATION

OPERATION

Hey there, kids! Have you ever played the exciting board game called Operation? It’s a game that you can enjoy all by yourself or with your friends. The aim of the game is to become a successful surgeon and make some money!

During the game, you will need to complete 12 different operations. Once you’ve performed all of them, the game ends. The player who earns the most money throughout the game will emerge as the ultimate winner!

SETUP

Before we start, let’s get the game set up. First, find a flat surface where you can place the game board. Make sure to check that the buzzer and light are working. You don’t want any surprises during the game! Next, place the 11 plastic pieces in their assigned spots on the board. Remember to put them flat in the center of the spaces. The rubber band should also be placed centrally in its space.

Alright, here’s what we need to do. First, we’ll split the cards into two decks. One deck is for the specialists, and the other deck is for the doctors. Let’s shuffle the specialist deck and deal an equal number of cards to each player. Any extra cards can be put aside for now. As for the doctor cards, let’s shuffle them and place them face down in a pile near the board.

Now, we need to choose someone to be the banker. The banker will be in charge of the money and will pay the players for successful operations.

GAMEPLAY

Okay, let’s get started! We can randomly choose the first player, and then the turn order will go to the player on their left. Each player will take their turn by drawing the top card from the doctor deck. This card will tell them what operation they need to perform and how much they will get paid if they succeed.

When it comes to successfully completing an operation, it’s important to use the tweezers. I have to carefully remove the pieces from their slot without touching the metal sides. If I do, the buzzer will go off and the light will flash. The only exception is the rubber band. I need to stretch it from one anchor to the other without setting off the buzzer.

If I’m successful, I can collect my money from the banker and it will be the next player’s turn. But if I’m unsuccessful, I need to look at my specialty cards. If I have the required card, I’ll have a chance to perform the operation again for a larger sum of money.

If I’m successful, the doctor card and specialty card will be taken out of the game, and the banker will pay me. If I’m not successful or the specialty card isn’t available, the doctor card goes to the bottom of the deck. If I don’t succeed, I get to keep the specialty card and maybe use it later.

The End of the Game

The game comes to an end when all 12 operations have been completed. The player with the most money at the end wins.

Playing Alone

If I’m the only player, my goal is to complete all 12 operations successfully without setting off the buzzer. But every time the buzzer goes off, I have to start over, reset the board, and try again.

I’m Amber (They/Them), an Austin writer and gaming enthusiast. I consider myself a gaming master and I adore dogs, plants, and D&D.