Unpub Preview: Flea Market Sweep

Unpub Previews allow designers the opportunity to talk more in depth about the development of their games in the Unpub Network.

FleaMarketeer is a dexterity game designed by Bonnie Neubauer.

Let's hear what Bonnie has to say about FleaMarketeer, which will be sweeping the tables soon...

What was your inspiration for FleaMarketeer? It's a more elaborate version of a game called Pip Up Cubes that won a contest from The Boardroomers. I wanted to create a modern version of JackStones / Knucklebones, the game that American Jacks is derived from.

What is your favorite part of FleaMarketeer? I like that strategy and luck have been added to a dexterity game. This mix keeps the mind and body involved and gives the underdog a chance.

To your knowledge, What do other people find most interesting about FleaMarketeer? It's like Jacks but it's not just for young girls. Also, adults find it more challenging than teens.

What has been the most challenging part of designing FleaMarketeer? Coming up with a theme. The idea of competing to see who can de-flea flea market items and amass the most goods that will net the biggest profit came to me right after we had a yard sale!

What advice would you give to players attempting FleaMarketeer for the first time? Practice the sweeping technique of picking up the flea cubes on easy cards first. Do this a handful of times and you will quickly see success. After that, the rest of the game will fall into place. By the time you get to them, you will be able to tackle the hard cards.

What has surprised you most in play-tests of FleaMarketeer? People were weirded-out that the theme has to do with fleas. I had to add cartoon images to the prototype to get people to agree to test it. Now that it looks fun people are willing to have fun and play. Who knew?

People who like JACKS or games with a physical challenge element will like FleaMarketeer. Why? It's based on Jackstones which is the predecessor to Jacks.

Tell us anything else you want to say about FleaMarketeer that I haven't asked or you haven't said already. I was just OK at Jacks when I was a kid, yet I do well at FleaMarketeer. I am fascinated to see that my hand-eye coordination has improved over the years.

For more information, photos and to find out where you can try FleaMarketeer, please visit the game's Unpub.net Page!