New Game is Loads of Fun

ROLLORS: it's a new game - for all ages - that is loads of fun! It's simple to understand the rules, and simple to play, but it can turn a yard into premium recreation space. The game can also be played in the sand on the beach, or other comparable surfaces. "I knew it was going to be fun when I saw kids who were 4 years old beat their parents," said inventor Matt Butler.

The game can be played with two players or two teams of players. It is played with six hardwood maple disks (three red, three blue) numbered on the side from one to six. There are two goals (one red, one blue) to be positioned from approximately 20 to 25 feet apart on level terrain. Each player (or team) uses one color set of Rollors, with the red player (or players) going first. Once the red player rolls all three discs, the blue player (or team) rolls all three discs. Only the player (or team) with the Rollor closest to the goal can score in each round. Any disc must be within a 5-foot radius of the goal's center in order to score. A measuring cord is provided to fit on each goal!

Scoring is done in the following ways. A Roller landing on its side gives the player (or team) the number of points showing on the disc. However, a Rollor stopping on its edge gives the player (team) the total number of points showing on both sides of the disc. A Rollor which comes to a stop leaning against the goal scores a point value of double the number showing. If the scoring team has another disc which has also landed closer to the goal than any of the opponent Rollors, the point value of the additional Roller may be added to the score as well. A minimum of 21 points (and at least 2 points more than the opposing team) are required to win the game.

Some variations may be used to make the game of Rollers easier, more difficult, or more fun. For example, the distance between the goals, or the scoring radius around the goals, may be shortened or lengthened. Or, the game could be played on terrain that is not level or has natural obstructions - perhaps trees or bushes -between the goals. Keep in mind, three to six players could compete instead of just two in any single game.

The inventor is a major in the United States Air Force currently stationed at Hurlburt Field in Mary Esther, Florida. He hired military veterans to make the prototype of Rollers. Butler envisioned the game, which eventually became Rollors, during long missions flying over the Middle East. Staring at the hot dry land for many long hours caused him to dream about green spaces, trees, colors, family, and friends.

The game of Rollers may be purchased at MC Sports, Meijer, Menards, Target, Barnes and Nobel, or at several Web sites including Amazon. In addition, Butler hopes to sell the game at many mom and pop stores - including speciality shops. He estimates 10,000 units were sold in 2010, plus an additional 20,000 in 2011.

Butler wants to bring families and friends together for fun - plus a little competitiveness - in the outdoors. He says that playing Rollers is "going back to the classic game."

Find out for yourself, and then share the information with others: Rollers is a new game that's loads of fun! I had an opportunity to "field test" the game myself with a pre-teen, three teenagers, two middle-aged adults, and two senior adults. It was a real "hoot," and one of the highlights of the Thanksgiving holidays!