Deluxe Pit by Winning Moves Games USA, Loud and Raucous Party Game for 3 to 8 Players, Ages 7 and Up

Pit is a lively card game that mimics the chaos of the trading floor. Players frantically swap cards to collect a full set, making for fast, high-energy fun. Simple to learn and great for groups, it’s a perfect choice for game nights.

This is such a classic! We were so thrilled when we discovered it on Amazon with the bell being included. The rules are super easy, even lower-grade schoolers can play (and win!), and the more players the better. The game goes fast, everyone wants to play again. Pit has been a staple in our extended family for decades, we are happy to own our copy now too.

PIT is a card game based on the trading of commodities. This sounds dry when you first hear it, but actually this is one of the most enjoyable party games ever invented. It's simple to learn, fast to play, and involves lots of screaming and yelling. (Try to imagine "Go Fish" if nobody takes turns and it was played like a furious farmer's auction). But the game also has a fascinating history and teaches something about the nature of the economy.The commodities market developed in the 19th century as the modern agricultural economy began to grow in the U.S. When many farmers faced bankruptcy during lean times of the winter season, "forward contracts" -- an agreement between a buyer and a seller on a price, quantity, and a future delivery date of a particular commodity like wheat or beans or coffee -- started to appear. Between the time of the contract purchase and the delivery, the price of the commodity could change rapidly and violently in either direction, so to protect themselves, merchants would travel to Chicago to trade their various contracts and agree on a later delivery date. The location where they traded (originally a room above a flour store) became The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) -- also know as "THE PIT." Today we see the The Pit on television every day, where traders dash about desperately yelling and giving signals to buy or trade contracts on wheat, soybeans, Eurodollars, heating oil, gold, and so forth. (Actually, I work in a commodities brokerage firm and live this madness every day.)And thus arose this long-lived, legendary card game. By 1904, when the game was first published, the commodities market had exploded into a major economic force in the country, and one in which speculators could lose or gains millions in a short period of time. This game is meant to imitate the frenzy of traders on the floor of the pit, selling and buying contracts on various commodities rapidly so they can "corner" a particular market, and where fortunes can be made or lost in seconds.This may sound a bit complicated, but PIT is an incredibly simple game to learn and addictive to play. Seven-year-olds can pick it up quickly and be trading as hard as an adult player after only one round. The play is simple. A deck of eight different "suits" of nine cards each (commodities like wheat, oats, coffee, and sugar), plus a "bear" card and "bull" card, are dealt to the players. The dealer then rings a bell (included in this set) to declare trading open. Immediately, without any semblance of taking turns or order, the players try to discard cards they don't want by trading them with other players so they can get all nine cards of one commodity in their hand and "corner" that market and win the round. You receive a particular number of points depending on what commodity you've nabbed (wheat, for example, is the most valuable at 100 points). All trading is blind: a player holds up cards of all the same suit he wishes to trade, keeping their backs to the other players, and yells out how many he wants to trade ("I'm selling three! Three! Who wants three!). Other player may ask him to trade less if he they have fewer cards available to offer ("Will you drop to two!? I'll trade two!"). Usually, three or four trades among different players are going on at any time, or players are competing to grab an offered trade first, and the game becomes a furious race to nab that nine-of-a-kind and slam your hand on the bell to announce that you've won the round.Amongst all this looms the Bear and Bull cards. The Bull is a wild card; you can corner a market with only eight cards plus the Bull. But if the Bull is in your hand when someone else slams the bell, you lose twenty points. The Bear is always bad: you lose twenty points if it's in your hand at the end of the round, and as long as it's in your hand, you can't corner a market. You keep playing rounds until someone gets 500 points and wins the game.New players may be a bit hesitant with the fast and furious play style, but pretty quickly everyone will be feeling like a real tradier and yelling and wheeling and dealing. I've seen ten-year-olds beat out fifty-year-olds with their enthusiasm. And no one will ever get bored playing this. (Neighbors, however, may complain about the noise.)The only real drawback to PIT is that it isn't as fun with a small group. The more players you have, the more fun it is. A three-player game is possible, but it isn't as intense as a game of five or more. And eight players (the maximum) is an absolutely amazing thing to see or take part in. Buy this game...you'll be the hit of your next party. It has all the wheeling and dealing of Monopoly in one tenth the time!

This game is super fun, fast paced, and easy to play! It is affordable and easily transported in its little box. If you’re into game nights, this is a game to add to your collection.

The Deluxe Pit by Winning Moves Games USA is a loud and raucous party game that guarantees endless fun for game nights with family and friends. With its fast-paced trading action and engaging gameplay, it's perfect for groups of 3 to 8 players. The game's competitive nature adds excitement and energy to any gathering, creating memorable moments and fostering friendly competition among players.The Deluxe Pit game is easy to learn and quick to play, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Its dynamic trading mechanics keep everyone on their toes, ensuring that each round is filled with laughter and excitement. Plus, the deluxe edition comes with high-quality components that enhance the overall gaming experience.Overall, the Deluxe Pit is a fantastic choice for game nights, offering hours of entertainment and bonding opportunities for players of all ages. It's a must-have addition to any game collection, guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Infurstvstarted playing out back in the 80s at family gatherings when I was about 10 years old. It's a very high paced exciting game that is easy to learn. My family rule was you couldn't play until you were 10, but I watched them playing for a few years prior. Once is started playing, I was hooked. Regardless of where I move to, I always have a set. I carry them to church outings, summer camp, socials, BBQs etc. It's always a hit.I just got back from a games night and I taught a group to play with a 2 min explanation. They picked it right up and spent over 2 hours playing it!I have this deluxe set. The current box I have I bought almost 12 years ago and its still going strong. The cards are a little bent, but that's because my crew plays real aggressive😁. The bell is just as good as it was when I got it.I also have two packs with just the cards, I use that for when I'm traveling and don't want to take up too much space. Also, since th3 cards are different, I sometimes swap them out so that if we're playing a long game, people don't get bored because you have to adjust you'll thinking a little when your switch to different commodities.I also have the 100th Anniversary set. (Yes I jnow 5 packs of the game is a bit excessive, but what can I say, I've loved it for over 30 years).This deluxe pack is also in a strudy box. Despite playing with more aggressive players (no shrinking violets here), neither the box nor the cards are torn after over 11 years. They are standing up pretty well.So at about $15, it's more than great value for money, both with its durability, and the fun you'll receive from it.There used to be a set in a tin, but I gave that away. I'll be trying out the kid version next, so I can indoctrinate another generation.Hope this helps.

What a fun and fast moving game. Love it!!!!

Family and friends enjoy playing this game.