Sorry! is a classic family board game that blends luck, strategy, and a bit of revenge. Known for its colorful pawns, simple rules, and opportunities to send other players back to start, it’s a great pick for game nights with players of all ages.
This complete guide walks you through how to play Sorry, including setup, rules, card meanings, and strategies to help you win.
Objective of the Game
The goal of Sorry! is to move all four of your pawns from the “Start” space to the “Home” space before your opponents do. To get there, you must navigate the board using movement cards, avoid being sent back to Start, and use strategy to delay your opponents.
Game Setup
- Each player chooses a color and takes four pawns of that color.
- Place all pawns in your corresponding “Start” area.
- Shuffle the deck of cards and place it face down in the center of the board.
- The youngest player goes first (or choose randomly).
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
Gameplay Overview
Players take turns in clockwise order. On your turn:
- Draw a card from the deck.
- Read the instructions on the card and follow them.
- Move a pawn according to the card’s instructions (if possible).
- If you can’t make a legal move, your turn ends.
You may only bring a pawn out of Start by drawing a card that specifically allows it.
Card Meanings in Sorry!
Here’s a breakdown of the most common cards and what they do:
- 1 – Move a pawn forward 1 space. Can be used to leave Start.
- 2 – Move forward 2 spaces. Also lets you draw another card.
- 3 – Move forward 3 spaces.
- 4 – Move backward 4 spaces.
- 5 – Move forward 5 spaces.
- 7 – Move forward 7 spaces or split the move between two pawns. (You must move the total of 7 spaces.)
- 8 – Move forward 8 spaces.
- 10 – Move forward 10 spaces or backward 1 space.
- 11 – Move forward 11 spaces or switch places with another player's pawn.
- 12 – Move forward 12 spaces.
- Sorry! – Take a pawn from your Start and bump any opponent's pawn back to their Start. That pawn goes back, and yours replaces it on the board.
Note: You cannot use a Sorry! card if you don’t have any pawns in Start.
Moving Around the Board
- You move clockwise around the board.
- If your pawn lands on a space already occupied by an opponent’s pawn, that pawn is sent back to its Start.
- You cannot land on your own pawn or pass it on the same space.
- Safe zones are color-specific paths that lead to your Home. Only you can use your color's safe zone.
- To enter Home, you must land on it by exact count. If your move overshoots Home, the pawn stays in place.
Winning the Game
The first player to get all four of their pawns into Home wins the game. Every pawn must enter Home by exact card count. No shortcuts!
Strategy Tips
- Use the 11-card switch to knock opponents out of favorable positions.
- Keep at least one pawn in Start so you can play a Sorry! card if needed.
- Watch opponents’ positions carefully—if someone is close to winning, do what you can to slow them down.
- Don’t rush all your pawns out at once—sometimes it's safer to keep one back to block or bounce.
- Use card 7 smartly to split moves and control the board more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Sorry! is simple to learn, but there’s plenty of room for clever tactics and playful revenge. Its mix of chance and strategy makes it a timeless favorite for families, friends, and game night gatherings.
So shuffle up, get your pawns ready, and remember—it’s nothing personal when someone says, “Sorry!” and sends you back to Start. It’s just part of the game.
