Introducing Chop Stacks!
It's the fun and easy-to-play chopstick game! The game is simple to understand, but impossible to master. The game box is small and fits in your pocket, purse, or backpack, making it easy to carry with you.
Who is this game for? It's perfect for anyone who wants to get better at using chopsticks in a fun way or to show off their skills. The game can be played solo, with two players, or in a group. So grab your chopsticks and let the games begin!
Check out the link to the Kick Starter page to reserve your copy today!
How to get your own copy
The game is currently in limited Beta, Link to online retailers coming soon!
Note that the box design is in Beta and the final box and contents may not look exactly like the above video, but it will be functionally the same.
Inquires about wholesale orders or a review copy, email dax@redflaggames.com
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Parts
Table Top
Table Stand
Stackers
Chop Stacks Rules
Parts
Chopsticks
Table stand
Table top
Stackers
The Buffet (AKA the game box)
Setup
Open the box and remove the chopsticks, table top, and table stand.
Place the table stand on a flat and smooth playing surface, called ”the ground”.
A small plate or saucer works great for this and contains all the pieces that topple
Place the table top on top of the table stand, as centered as possible.
Each player gets a set of chopsticks. The youngest / newest player goes first.
Leave all of the other pieces in the box. This is now the “buffet”.
Rules
The first player must pick up a single stacker piece from the buffet and then place it on top of the table.
Once a piece is successfully placed on the table, the first player's turn is over and play passes to the next player.
The subsequent players take a turn picking up a new piece from the pantry and placing it on the table.
All new pieces may be placed on the table beside, or on top of any previous piece.
For more than 2 players, pass the chopsticks to the current player
If ANY piece is dropped or knocked off the table and hits the floor, that piece is “out” and placed in front of the players whose turn it is currently.
End Condition
If a player has 5 or more “out” pieces in front of them, the round ends. The player with the fewest pieces is the winner.
Note: it’s possible to tip the table in early rounds and continue.
Optional, multi-round rules
Play as above, but after a round ends, everyone writes down their score (number of out pieces).
The table is then cleared and the game is played again. The player with the highest score goes first, then turns begin again.
Play a number of rounds equal to the number of players playing. At the end of all rounds, add up each player's full score. The player with the LOWEST score wins.
FAQ and Rules Clarifications
The game is very simple everyone should be able to pick up the rules quickly, but there are always a few fringe cases, so we will cover those here as best possible.
We have a rules question not covered here, what should we do?
The group should decide. While the vast majority of the game is intuitive, all games are bound to have some fringe areas.
Can we play coop instead of competitive?
You bet! The team get's the same 5 "out" piece failure rule, but the goal is now to work together and make the biggest stack possible. When the table tips, or 5 (or more) pieces are out, the count up all the pieces that made it on the table (this includes pieces that spill in a full tip envding). This is the teams score. Next, see if you beat it! This is far more strategic and requires much more team work that you might think.
Is there an easier version available?
If you are having a tough time with the game as is, start with the tabletop on the ground (without the base). This will eliminate a full collapse and should make it a lot easier to stack.
If that's still a bit tough, try stacking the pieces in the box top and don't worry if they topple, just keep practicing until you are ready.
You can also make a chopstick trainer to make holding them a bit easier. There is a nice set of instructions HERE.
Can I get up and move around the table?
No, you should remain standing or seated in place for the duration of the game. Unless, all players decide they want to allow "Roaming" as a house rule.
Can I adjust pieces other than the one I picked from the buffet?
You may use 1 chopstick to poke already placed pieces into place, or adjust them, but you are responsible for any pieces that fall during your turn.
Can a dig around in the buffet to find the piece I want?
Yes, and it's critical skill for the game (it's also a lot of fun). However, if you knock any pieces out of the buffet during your scrounging, they are out and your turn is over, so keep the energy calm and smooth while you search.
Someone is taking forever to do their turn.
It's unfortunate, but it happens. In this case, players can decide to enforce the time limit, which is officially 1 minute for a turn. If a turn has not been completed in 1 minute, that player must take a piece from the buffet as "out" and their current turn ends.
Can I purposefully drop a piece to avoid placing it on a table that is about to tip?
You are a sneaky gamer. But, yes, you can.
A piece fell AFTER I ended my turn, is it my fault, or the next player?
Your turn officially ends when the next player moves a piece out of the buffet. So, if a piece falls from the time you are done and before the next player does this, it is on you. If the next player has already begun their turn, it's on them.
A cat jumped on the play area and toppled our game.
The cat did this on purpose. Unfortunately, things like this happen and the only way forward is to reset and start with an empty table, placing all the pieces back in the buffet. This includes the wind, the play area being bumped, etc...
Can I pick up and place multiple pieces at one time?
No, each trip to the buffet should be for a single item.
What if we stack all the pieces on the table!
Firstly, congratulations! It's incredibly difficult to do this. But, as to the rule: if this happens, the next player must remove a piece that is touching the table (not stacked on top of other pieces) and then place it in a new location on top of the table. If you find this is happening often, add some more pieces to the game. You are clearly a master of Chop Stacks and can be trusted to identify and add new stacker pieces.
What if we lose a stacker piece?
The game is still fully playable, even if you lose a few pieces. You can also add in small objects of your choice to customize the game to be your own.
If there a professional league?
Not yet, but who knows, stranger things have happened.
Can I use my own fancy chopsticks?
If all players agree, then you bet.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to reach out at the contact email at the bottom of the page and we will try to get back with you.