“You set up the chain reaction!”
Released by Kenner in 1979, Topple combined domino theory and tropes from chess into an action strategy game for two players. The object was to be the first player to knock down both Kings of their opponent.
GAMEPLAY
Players began with two Kings positioned on designated spaces on the plastic game board, facing in any direction. Each turn allowed for two moves, chosen from a variety of strategic actions — including repeating the same one twice — as players worked to control the board and outmaneuver their opponent.
A new pawn could be placed on the board, positioned in any location, and oriented in a chosen direction. If all pawns were already in play, one could be relocated to a different spot. Adjustments could also be made by rotating a King or pawn in place to change its direction. Only pawns of the player’s selected colour could be moved, while Kings remained fixed in their designated spaces, limited to rotation only.
For a bold move, a player could topple one of their own Kings, initiating a domino-like chain reaction aimed at toppling an opponent’s King. If the topple succeeded, the opponent’s King and all other fallen pawns were captured and removed from the board. However, if the topple failed, the player’s King was removed from the board.
The first player with two successful topples was declared the winner.
IN THE BOX
A complete game included a moulded game board, 24 pawns (12 each in red and blue), four kings (two each in red and blue), and printed instructions.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Kenner produced only a small number of board games in the 1970s, making them a unique addition to any collection. Fortunately, many of these games, including Topple, can still be found on secondary marketplaces like eBay.
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