How to Play

Game Contents

Game board, 650 Question Cards, 6 playing pieces, Instructions, Answer Key, Magnifying glass.

Game Board Strategy

To win, players use a combination of teamwork, strategy, and knowledge to be the first patriot to pass the year 2000. Everyone has a chance to win!

Complete Instructions

Setting up the Board
Place the red, white, and blue Question Cards separately on the board in each of the three sections of the circle with the flag, eagle and presidents. Each player selects a token and places it in the corner square with the white star and torch. Answers to all the questions are provided in the Answer Key.

How To Play
Play starts with the youngest player and then progresses clockwise. On his/her turn, the player selects the top card from either the red, white or blue stacks of cards on the board. Each Question Card has a point value based on the level of difficulty:

The question is read aloud to the other players. During a player's turn, the player to his/her immediate right will serve as the "Monitor," checking the Answer Key to confirm a correct response. Each Question Card is numbered in the top right corner so the player with the Answer Key can easily find the answer to the question asked.

Scoring Points on Question Cards
Players enter the board at stamp #1 near the white star and torch and continue around the board on the numbered stamps. If a player answers the question correctly, he/she gets to keep that card, and moves his/her token forward one stamp for each point he/she received for that question. If the player answers the question incorrectly, the card is returned to the bottom of the colored stack it came from. If the question is a two or three-part question, or has more than one answer, the player must give all the correct answers to get the point value. When checking the answer key, if an answer says "Group," it means there are too many answers to list so the group of players must provide the answer. For example: What is the capital of your state? If the player doesn't know the answer, he/she may team up with any other player (except the Monitor) who thinks he or she knows the answer to that question. Players cannot team up after an incorrect answer is given. If the "team" gives the correct answer, then the points for that question are split between the two players and each player moves his or her token forward the number of points received. Play then passes to the next player, with the Answer Key moving on to the next "Monitor."

Scoring Points on Bonus Questions
Bonus points can be earned on some of the red, white or blue cards if the player answered the first question on the card correctly. Only the player whose turn it is can answer the Bonus Question. Players cannot split points on a Bonus Question. Answers to the Bonus Questions are found in the Answer Key.

Bonus Questions might pose a question or ask you to:
• Demonstrate something
• Describe a person, place or event
• Explain a concept, give an example, or state your opinion

When the player responds to a Bonus Question, the other players team up and decide how many bonus points to award. When checking the answer key, if an answer includes an "etc.," then the players may accept additional answers for that question. If the answer to a Bonus Question says "Group," it could mean there is no right or wrong answer or there are many answers. In this case, the group of players must judge the adequacy of the player's answer. The Question Card states the maximum number of bonus points available for that Bonus Question. The group can award one or more points up to the maximum point value. Majority rules when awarding bonus points. Remember that Americans are generous people.

When the Game Ends
PATRIOTS, review the question cards you have won and congratulate yourselves for all the things you know about the United States of America. You are all winners! You can put the cards you've won at the bottom of each colored stack or shuffle them back in. Play Patriot Challenge again soon, and each time you play you'll learn something new about America and your family and friends who are playing along with you.

Game Play Variations for Patriot Challenge:
1. Play in teams of 2 or more people. The team must collectively decide on the answer to each question.
2. Families can play in teams with each team consisting of an adult and child/children.
3. Children who are close in age may play with only one or two colors of cards depending on their grade level:

4. In the classroom, students can play in teams and/or teachers may elect to play with one or two colors of cards to teach by grade level as previously noted.