Ok maybe not a great game to play IN the car, but once you get somewhere it's quick to set up, quick to learn, quick to play, and quick to put up. This game was awesome, limited to four players you can buy extra colored stones in case you hate black, blue, green or yellow. A friend mine had this game and it's spiral counterpart Megiddo. He used to carry both roll-up game boards (Pente & Megiddo), and 8 bags of stones (4 from each game) in the Pente tube, everywhere he went. Very portable game system, worth every penny. Have not seen Megiddo re-produced in years, if you find get it! Actually get 2 (one of each)! If you can imagine Pente on a spiral board, the counterpart Megiddo is a great compliment to Pente, and both games are worth the cost.

I have played this game since the 1980's. It has traded hands since its original rolled vinyl in a tube days, but it is still a quick, fun, abstact game that is colorful and well presented. While experts have analyzed the fun out of the original version, several variations have expanded its depth.

My only negative remark is the genre. Abstract games which rely on skill tend to reward the veteran and scare away the beginner. There are methods of handicapping, but I don't think they help.

Still it is a must for every gamer's library.

This edition however removes something from the 4-player "tube" edition previously in print. As with many other classic games, all but the most hardcore players will be scratching around for variants within a short period of time. The 3- and 4-player games added significantly to the playability and variety. They are sorely missed in this edition of the game.

So, seek out the "tube" edition used and, failing that, buy the latest version of Pente, a game that you'll be playing for years to come.