Operation is a classic board game that relies more on physical skill rather than luck or chance.

Invented in 1964, and mass produced a year later, Operation has gone on to make over $40 million in worldwide sales in just over 50 years.

The game is a variation of the electric wire loop game with a slightly more entertaining way to play.

How to Play Operation

The game of operation is for up to 4 players.

The modern game involves players taking it in turns to remove pieces from the patient. A player is successful if they remove a game piece from the patient without lighting up the patient’s nose – done so by avoiding the tweezers touching the sides.

The player with the most pieces at the end of the game is the winner!

Rules for Previous Editions

There were two sets of cards for Operation – specialist and doctor cards. The specialist cards were distributed between players before the game starts, whilst the doctor cards were drawn at the beginning of each players go.

When a player turned over a doctor card, they attempted to remove the specified piece from the body using the tweezers.

If the player was successfully, they were awarded the cash prize associated with the game piece. If the player was not successful, then the player with the specialist card attempts to remove the game piece. If they were successful, they won double the associated prize.

The game continued in this fashion until there is one winner – the person with the highest prize!

Buy Operation Classic

Looking to educate today’s kids about the skill and fun that can be had with Operation?

Check out the latest price at amazon.

Special Edition Operation Games

Did you know that there are special edition versions of Operation?

Well, check out the below images to see the various versions that have been in circulation.

Trolls Operation Board Game

Simpsons Operation Board Game

Star Wars Operation Board Game

Baby Yoda Operation Board Game

Fallout Operation Board Game

Rick & Morty Operation Board Game

Spiderman Operation Board Game

Toy Story 3 Operation Board Game

What Are The Operation Board Game Pieces?

The game pieces vary per edition of Operation, but the standard pieces are as follows:

  • Adam’s Apple
  • Broken Heart
  • Wrenched Ankle
  • Butterflies in Stomach
  • Spare Ribs
  • Water on the Knee
  • Funny Bone
  • Charley Horse
  • Writer’s Cramp
  • The Ankle Bone Connected to the Knee Bone
  • Wish Bone
  • Bread Basket
  • Brain Freeze

Operation Board Game FAQs

Can you buy replacement pieces for Operation game?

If you have some damaged pieces, or you have in fact lost any of the game play pieces, luckily, there are plenty of options to buy replacement pieces. The best place to find them are on ebay, you can find them here.

How many body parts can be removed in the game Operation?

In the classic version of the Operation board game, there are a total of 13 different pieces that can be removed!

What are the ailments in the new Operation?

The ailments in the new Operation board game are the following:

  • Adam’s Apple
  • Broken Heart
  • Wrenched Ankle
  • Butterflies in Stomach
  • Spare Ribs
  • Water on the Knee
  • Funny Bone
  • Charley Horse
  • Writer’s Cramp
  • The Ankle Bone Connected to the Knee Bone
  • Wish Bone
  • Bread Basket
  • Brain Freeze

What kind of batteries does Operation take?

All versions of Operation requires AAA batteries.

Does operation come with batteries?

Operation comes with everything required to start playing, this includes AAA batteries. It is best that you buy new batteries so that they last longer!

What age is the game Operation for?

Operation is for players aged 6 and upwards.