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The 1899 Whirlpool Game by Mcloughlin Bros. is another example of wonderful graphics found in board games. The antique game boxes and boards of Mcloughlin Bros. , and other game companies, of the time, often display beautiful works of art. They are highly collectible.
The cover of Whirlpool features a ship succumbing to the swirling ocean currents. The crew are shown trying to desperately escape from being swept into the vortex and going down with the ship. Land is seen in the background, and seems to portray where whirlpools are often known to occur; in narrow ocean straits. Might it represent one of the most famous Maelstroms; the Old Sow whirlpool near Moose Island, Maine, or maybe the one off the coast of Norway? Could be any – all are dangerous.
The inside of the box offers the challenge to players. A circular track, with spaces pulling players closer to center, and eventually to being LOST, is shown. The object is to be the last player left alive.
The game is for 2 players. Each player begins with 6 men, placing only one piece on the board at a time. The spinner determines how fast he meets his fate. Once a man is drawn to center and lost, he places another on the board. Whoever holds out the longest wins.
The board consists of spaces directing those who land on them to ‘Go in to the next circle’, ‘Go OUT in to the next circle’, or ‘Go in to the LOST’.
The fact the winner of the game is won by pure fate seems appropriate for this particular game. Getting caught in a whirlpool is not something easily to fight against. But hopefully with some luck on your side, you can escape it long enough to win the game!
Will you get lost in the Whirlpool?
Play a game, any game today!
