Average Rating: 
Rating: - FUN and EDUCATIONAL if you know how
I am a teacher and I use this game with my kids at school all the time. They LOVE it from grade school to high school depending on how you use it. I don't really follow the rules that came with it, only the values of how the pigs land. I have used it often in an afterschool tutoring program were we often practice math facts and addition. I took the instruction sheet from the game, found the place where they have the pigs drawn and what the rolls are worth, enlarged it on the copier so all the kids (usually less than 6) can see it at the same time (and of course, colored the pig drawings pink!) Then each student rolls, finds what his roll is worth, and adds his score. The first to pass 100 points wins. We sometimes start with 100 and subtract our score -- the first to zero (or less) wins. We have played where I announce at the beginning of the round that "This roll will be multiplied by 7"..the kids all cheer "Come on doule razorback!" I was amazed how fast they learned what each roll was worth. I would have liked to try something with fractions, but my study group wasn't ready for that. (For example, you could make each roll worth a certain fraction and they would have to add them up at the end of the game.) We have also used it to study for tests. I ask them a question and if they get it right, they get to roll. I am sure you could adapt it to lots of subjects. It is just a fun way to do rote things with a little more fun. I have also used it with younger kids who cannot add yet. I drew them a 100 square (a little block about 3"x3" divided into 10x10 grid) and made a bunch of copies. Then they roll, find their score on the scoresheet, then color in that many squares with a marker. Nice counting practice, and visual of how much different coloring in 20 is from coloring in only 5. I sometimes ask them "Look at your paper and at Joe's. Who has more squares colored in? How many do you need to catch up?" I really don't see any problem with the competing, and I sort of like the added benefit of learning HOW TO LOSE (which few seem to know) and other sportsmanship behaviors. The only problem I have seen with the game is that the little black dot (on one side of the pig) wears off and I have to keep drawing it on with a sharpie. Also, after about a year, their little piggy tails are hardly hanging on. I need a new set. GET THE GAME....have fun, change the rules, make up new ones...the pigs are the motivation...you decide what you want them to learn from it. OR learn nothing and just play. You'll like it.
Rating: - The Ultimate Travel Game
Pass the Pigs is really the ultimate travel game. It's entirely contained within a handy dandy carrying case for easy transport. The plastic case is about the size of a checkbook and contains all you will need for hours of fun and hilarity. Nestled inside the case are two pink pigs, a small tablet (with golf pencils), and (of course) the rules. The pigs have a black dot on one side of their tiny little bodies and this dot will affect your scoring. Basically, you throw the pigs (much like rolling dice) and the way the pigs land (dot side up, touching each other, on top of each other (my oh my!), etc) corresponds to a score (each with cute little piggy names like pig-out, leaning jowler, trotter, making bacon (very bad!), etc.. Where strategy comes in is the roller of the pigs has to decide whether to keep the score and pass or to keep rolling in an effort to add to the score. The object of the game is to reach the winning score first (usually something like 100). The roller of the pigs can keep rolling until pigging out (which is fairly easy to accomplish) or pass. If you pig out, your score is reset to zero. It's fun stuff!
Rating: none - Boy was I shocked!
My sister purchased this game because; as she said "It looked so silly..." We were both skeptical that is was worth anything, but to our amazement; we actually took to it fairly quickly. Even my three-year-old nephew liked to play (granted we had to call the positions and do the scoring). If you like silly little pocket games and a good competition, this game, as silly as it is, might just do it for you.
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