Stock Block - "The Original, Individualized Game for Any City"

 

Another mistake that could have been avoided. I purchased "Stock Block" from a antique dealer at the barns in Red Bank. He told me that it was the predecessor to Monopoly. Upon reviewing the game board and instructions I realize that I'd been had. This game was first released in 1976, and is almost a clone of Monopoly. The major difference being there are no property deeds, instead players purchase Certificate Cards. Players may then purchase additional shares of stock once they own a certificate.  They may purchase 4 additional shares per certificate and once they own a stock block, or all certificates of the same color, they may build one blue chip per square. The amount of interest they collect increases with each additional share or blue chip owned. 

The goal of the game is to bankrupt all other players. In this game it's referred to "29ing" or "Crashing." Chance and Community Chest cards have been replaced by What? cards. When players draw a What? card they must follow the instructions. They may collect or pay funds, be asked to move to a specific space, lose a turn, etc. There are also a couple blank What? cards included so players can fill in and make their own house rules.

The game is advertised as "The Original, Individualized Game for Any City," meaning there are several versions set in different cities. The version I purchased is set in Bermuda. I recently went on vacation there, which is why I'm considering keeping the game. However I don't recognize most of the squares. The modes of transportation are all familiar; moped, ferry, and carriage. The board also list several golf courses. I think they could have done a much better job, including some historical army forts and spaces related to the local cuisine. The description lists 40+ different cities to choose from and also claims that cities not available may be obtained by sending $12 to the designated address. Does this mean that he will create a board for your city/home town? Interesting concept, but I would pass on this one.