Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Pass the Pigs is the board game equivalent of a whoopee cushion—silly, harmless, mildly amusing for about five minutes, then you wonder why you own it.

It's not a bad game, it's just barely a game at all. You roll pigs, they land however physics decides, you add points, repeat. The pig theme is cute and the puns are groan-worthy in an endearing way, but there's zero strategy, zero skill, and zero replay value for anyone who likes actual gameplay. BGG's 5.5 rating (out of 10) tells the story: it's fine, but nobody's rushing to play it twice.

That said, it has a niche. As a travel game or a quick filler while waiting for pizza, it works. Kids under 10 will giggle at the pig positions. It's genuinely compact and you can teach it in 30 seconds. But as a main event? No way. This is the board game you pull out when someone says 'got anything quick and stupid?' and you respond 'oh boy, do I ever.'

If you want a light family game with actual decisions, grab Sushi Go or Kingdomino instead. But if you want to throw pigs and see what happens, well, here you go.

Age Fit

Officially 8+ but honestly works fine for 6-year-olds who can add. The ceiling is low though—most kids over 12 will find it too random and simple unless they're playing ironically or with much younger siblings.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Simple push-your-luck dice game with silly pig theme that creates laughter and light competition. No problematic content, just goofy fun rolling plastic pigs. The pun-heavy naming ('Pig Out,' 'Oinker,' 'Double Trotter') is harmless dad-joke territory. Party game mechanics encourage social interaction without mean-spirited gameplay.

Imaginative

45

Purely luck-based rolling with zero strategic depth or creative expression. You roll pigs, they land in positions, you score points. The pig theme is quirky but doesn't invite any actual imaginative play or problem-solving. BGG complexity of 1.07 confirms this is about as simple as games get. No building, exploring, or creative thinking required—just roll and hope.

Safe

95

Completely benign party game with no mature themes, gambling mechanics, or social toxicity concerns. The 'Pig Out' rule where you lose your turn creates mild frustration but nothing that damages relationships. Physical components are safe (rubber pigs). Board games rarely have safety issues and this is no exception—just clean, silly fun.

Enriching

38

Minimal cognitive growth—basic addition for scoring and understanding probability in the abstract sense of 'should I roll again?' Push-your-luck teaches risk assessment in theory, but with zero skill or strategy involved, there's little to learn after a few rounds. No meaningful takeaways beyond 'sometimes gambling doesn't pay off.' Entertainment value exists for the right crowd but fades quickly.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny the first few times—watching pigs tumble and land in weird positions gets laughs
Zero learning curve means anyone can play immediately, from kids to grandparents
Compact and portable, fits in a pocket for travel or waiting rooms
Creates shared moments of 'did you see that?!' when pigs land in unlikely positions
Push-your-luck mechanic teaches basic risk assessment (do I roll again or bank my points?)

⚠

What to Watch For

Novelty wears thin fast—after 20 minutes most people are done
Zero skill or strategy means competitive gamers will be bored instantly
Entirely luck-based, so younger kids who lose repeatedly might get frustrated
The 'pig on pig' instant-loss rule is rare but can feel arbitrary and unfair

Conversation Starters

"When do you think it's worth taking a risk versus playing it safe?"
"What's the funniest position the pigs landed in? Let's name it!"
"If you could invent a game with a different animal, what would you pick and why?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Pass the Pigs? Put this WISE score on your site