Poison & Zombies
A Multi-Player Marble Game of Re-Entry, Defense, and Calculated Chaos
The classic game of Poison is an intense test of positioning and accuracy. However, in games with several players, an early elimination can leave players watching from the sidelines while the Poison players hunt down the rest of the field.
Poison & Zombies mixes things up with this downtime dilemma. Turn early knockouts into active field defenders. Knocked-out players return to the field as "Zombies," creating team-like defensive dynamics and a bit of unpredictable field chaos.
Setup & Requirements
Player Count: 3 to 5 players (Requires a minimum of 3 players).
Equipment Needed:
1 Taw (Shooter marble) per player.
1 Go Ring™ or Scoreline™ (to create the central Poison Pot).
How to Play
Play begins using traditional Poison rules: players shoot from the Start Line toward the central Poison Pot, work to gain Poison status by landing inside, and eliminate opponents on contact.
The twist occurs the moment a Poison player strikes a non-poison opponent:
First Elimination (Becoming a Zombie): When a non-poison player is hit by a Poison player for the first time, they are not permanently out of the round. Instead, they become a Zombie.
Re-Entry Point: On their next turn, the Zombie player must take their shot from behind the original Start Line.
Zombie Capabilities & Rules:
Defending Active Players: A Zombie player uses their turn to shoot at and strike the Poison player. Knocking the Poison player's Taw away protects surviving non-poison contenders, affecting the Poison player's positioning.
No Victory Path: A Zombie cannot win the round.
No Poison Status: Entering the Poison Pot as a Zombie does not grant Poison status or bonus shots.
Turn Continuity: Striking a Poison player does not award the Zombie a bonus shot; their turn simply ends after the strike.
Second Elimination (Final Removal): If a Zombie player is struck a second time by a Poison player, they are permanently eliminated from that round.
Poison hunters earn their extra shot when striking a zombie, just like striking other poison and non-poison opponents.
Declaring Victory: The round ends as as any ordinary game of Poison would. Zombies do not need to be eliminated for the final Poison player to claim victory.
Why Play Poison & Zombies?
Reduced Downtime: Players stay in the game and active on their turn cycle longer, reducing long waits on the sidelines.
Emergent Defense: Non-poison players gain allies on the field. Even if a Poison player dominates the center early, Zombies can coordinate shots to knock the Poison Taw out of striking range.
Risk Management for the Hunter: The Poison player cannot ignore eliminated opponents. Leaving Zombies active on the field creates constant threats, forcing the Poison player to decide whether to hunt surviving contenders or spend turns clearing Zombies permanently.
