Snakes and Ladders of Life (2004)

Snakes and Ladders variant for children with the addition of virtues and vices in each square. "A virtue at the top of a ladder is what you gain as a result of applying the virtue at the bottom of the ladder in your actions and behavior" (eg enthusiastic --> tireless; loving --> accepting). Similarly a vice at the head of a snake results in the outcome at its tail (eg argumentative --> isolated; worried --> tired). A booklet accompanies the game that defines each virtue/vice in one sentence simply understood by a 7 year old. Some squares allow the player to draw from the 'Virtue deck'. "These cards describe how a virtuous attitude can rescue you from the karmic payback for hurtful, negative attitudes." The final variation on the traditional game is the last eight squares called the Safe Zone, which allow the player to draw from the 'Power Deck' of cards. "On reaching this zone of the 8 Powers you are safe under their canopy, protected from all negative influences, because an inner voice guides you away from situations which steal your energy. In this zone you enjoy strength, good fortune and happiness." A score pad is included that encourages each player to write down each of the virtues that they accumulate during the game. The material does not appear to be specific to any one religion.