1. Introduction
Welcome to the Hasbro Gaming Mouse Trap Board Game, Model 4657. This classic game of zany action and contraptions is designed for 2-4 players, ages 6 and up. This manual provides all the necessary information to set up, play, and enjoy the game.
Image: The complete Hasbro Gaming Mouse Trap Board Game, showing the game box and the fully assembled game on a table.
2. Product Contents
Ensure all the following components are present in your game box:
- Gameboard
- 4 Plastic Mice
- 2 Metal Balls
- Rubber Band
- Die
- 25 Mouse Trap Building Parts and Accessories
- 52 Cheese Pieces
- Building Plan
- Instructions (This manual)
Image: A close-up view of the various game components, highlighting the 25 building parts, 4 plastic mice, and 2 metal balls.
3. Setup Instructions
- Prepare the Gameboard: Lay out the Mouse Trap gameboard on a flat, stable surface.
- Organize Components: Place the 25 Mouse Trap building parts and accessories, along with the 52 cheese pieces, next to the board within easy reach of all players.
- Select Game Pieces: Each player chooses a plastic mouse pawn.
- Starting Position: Place all selected mouse pawns on the "START" space of the gameboard.
- Initial Cheese: Form a pile with the 52 cheese pieces.
- Build the Trap (During Gameplay): The Mouse Trap contraption is built piece by piece as players land on specific "Build" spaces during the game. Refer to the included Building Plan for detailed assembly instructions for each part.
Image: The game board showing several parts of the Mouse Trap contraption already assembled, illustrating the building process.
4. Game Objective
The primary objective of the Mouse Trap game is to be the last mouse left uncaptured on the gameboard. Players navigate the board, collect cheese, and strategically build the elaborate Mouse Trap contraption to eliminate opponents.
5. Gameplay
Gameplay proceeds in turns, with each player performing the following actions:
- Roll the Die: Roll the single die to determine the number of spaces to move.
- Move Your Mouse: Move your plastic mouse pawn clockwise around the main track of the gameboard the number of spaces indicated by the die.
- Follow Space Instructions:
- Build Spaces: If you land on a "Build" space with a number matching the current number of players (2, 3, or 4), you must add one part of the Mouse Trap contraption to the board as per the Building Plan. You also collect one piece of cheese from the pile. If the number does not match, or the trap is already complete, no action is taken.
- Move Ahead/Go Back Spaces: Follow the instructions to move your pawn forward or backward a specified number of spaces.
- Take Cheese Spaces: Collect the indicated number of cheese pieces from the pile. If the pile is empty, take from another player (see "Rules Review" for details).
- Lose Cheese Spaces: Return the indicated number of cheese pieces to the pile.
- Dog Bone Spaces: No action is taken when landing on these spaces.
- Loop Spaces (End of Track): These are the six spaces at the end of the board track, including "Safe," "Build 2," "Turn Crank," and "Cheese Wheel."
- Safe Space: A mouse on this space cannot be moved by another player.
- Build 2 Spaces: Allows a player to build two Mouse Trap parts and collect two cheese pieces.
- Turn Crank Space: If you land here and there is an opponent's mouse on the "Cheese Wheel" space, you can set the trap in motion.
- Cheese Wheel Space: If you land here, you collect two cheese pieces from the pile.
Image: The game board with multiple mouse pawns positioned on different spaces, illustrating active gameplay.
6. Winning the Game
The game concludes when only one player's mouse pawn remains uncaptured on the board. That player is declared the winner.
Rules Review:
- A player can use a piece of cheese to move an opposing player's game piece. This can be done multiple times and for multiple opponents, as long as the player has cheese pieces to return to the cheese pile.
- A player on the "Safe" space cannot be moved by an opponent.
- If the trap works correctly and captures a mouse, that player is out of the game. Their cheese pieces are given to the player who set the trap in motion.
- If the trap fails to operate for any reason, any opposing mice on the "Cheese Wheel" space immediately move to the "Safe" space.
- When taking cheese, if the main cheese pile is empty, the player takes cheese from the rival with the most cheese. If multiple rivals are tied for the most cheese, the player chooses which rival to take from. If the rival has less than the required amount, take all they have.
7. Important Safety Information
This game is recommended for ages 6 and up. Adult assistance and supervision are advised, especially during initial setup and gameplay. The game contains several small parts, including steel balls and plastic components, which may pose a choking hazard. Keep these parts away from young children.
8. Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 15.9 x 10.6 x 3.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Item Model Number | 4657 |
| Manufacturer Recommended Age | 6 months - 10 years (Note: Game is designed for 6+ for play, 6 months for general age range) |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Hasbro |
9. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with the Mouse Trap game, consider the following:
- Trap Malfunction: Ensure all trap components are assembled correctly and securely according to the Building Plan. Sometimes minor adjustments are needed for smooth operation.
- Missing Pieces: Double-check the "Product Contents" section. If pieces are missing, contact Hasbro customer support.
- Gameboard Stability: Ensure the gameboard is on a completely flat and stable surface to prevent the contraption from shifting or failing.
10. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please visit the official Hasbro Gaming website or contact their customer service department. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
You can find more information and contact details on the Hasbro Gaming Store.
