Released in 1974 by Parker Brothers, Trespass was a two-player strategy game that combined hidden objectives with grid-based positional movement.
Each player began by placing ten large plastic number pieces, labelled 0 through 9, across the two rows closest to them on a 5 × 6 grid. From these pieces, each player secretly selected one number as their objective. The goal was to move that chosen piece into the opponent’s back row without revealing its identity.
GAMEPLAY
Players alternated turns, moving pieces across the board using a combination of sliding and jumping actions. Pieces could move forward or sideways along open paths or jump over other pieces in sequences similar to Chinese Checkers. A move could consist of a slide followed by one or more jumps, but not the reverse.
One of the game’s defining mechanics was that players could move either their own pieces or their opponent’s. The only restriction was that a player could not move the piece that had just been moved by their opponent on the previous turn. This rule introduced a layer of uncertainty, as players could inadvertently advance their opponent’s hidden objective.
A piece that reached the opponent’s back row could continue to move sideways, allowing for repositioning and defensive play. The game ended when a player’s secretly chosen number reached the opponent’s back row, regardless of which player made the final move.
IN THE BOX
A complete set included the playing board and two sets of ten numbered plastic pieces (0 through 9). Printed instructions were included with the game.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Trespass routinely appears on the secondary market in varying conditions. Look for versions that include the printed instructions and intact, matching sets of numbered plastic pieces.
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