Stocks and Bonds is another of the 3M business simulations. In this game the players are given an initial stake of $10,000 which they then invest in a series of 10 stocks and bonds.
On each turn the players first collect any dividends and interest from the previous year. They then determine if this year will be a "bull" or a "bear" market and determine the current market price of all stocks using a special slide-rule style calculator. The players then buy and sell stocks for the year. The game lasts for 10 years (turns) and the player with the highest net worth at the end of that time is the winner.
This game does a very good job of simulating the effect of the stock market. While I wouldn't use it to gain investment advice it does give a good feel of how stocks behave.
The game also has one of the more interesting components I have seen. Instead of a plastic board and grease pencil, this game uses an actual chalkboard and piece of chalk for tracking stocks. The chalkboard was replaced in later editions but it is one of the more unusual game components.
4 comments on Stocks and Bonds:
I just acquired this game on ebay but I'm not sure if I have all the cards. How many are supposed to be in the game?
There are 36 cards in this game, I have played it for many years good family game.
Do either of you have a copy of the rules which you would be willing to copy and e-mail to me at indhra @ yahoo . com?
I got my copy out after more than ten years and alas there are no rules anymore.
We have a number of the 3M board games that I would like to sell. Will inventory them to get all of the names. Most of them have not been opened.
Let me know if anyone is interested.
These are the ones I have:
Image - in a can
Big & Bluff - in a can
Stocks & Bonds
Oh Wah Ree
Twixt - have 2
Facts in Five
Mr. President
Jumpin
Go
Challenge Bridge
Acquire
Chess