What is the objective of the game Operation?

The objective of the game Operation is to successfully remove various "ailments" from the patient's body without touching the metal edges of the openings. Operation is a classic dexterity game designed by John Spinello and first published by Milton Bradley in 1965. It has become a popular family game known for its challenging and nerve-wracking gameplay.

In Operation, players take on the role of a skilled surgeon attempting to operate on a patient named Cavity Sam. Cavity Sam is depicted as a cartoon figure with humorous ailments and ailments, such as a broken heart, butterflies in the stomach, or a wrench in the knee. Each ailment is represented by a specific opening on the patient's body.

The game features a custom-designed game board with cavities corresponding to the patient's ailments. Each cavity is connected to a small metal edge, creating a circuit. Players use a pair of tweezers, which are also made of metal, to carefully extract the ailments one at a time.

The challenge lies in the fact that the metal tweezers can trigger a buzzer and light up the patient's nose if they touch the metal edges of the openings during the extraction. This simulates a "failed surgery," and the player's turn ends without successfully removing the ailment.

To play Operation, players take turns selecting a card that displays an ailment and the associated point value. The player must then use the tweezers to carefully navigate through the corresponding opening, avoid touching the metal edges, and extract the ailment. If successful, the player earns the indicated number of points for that particular ailment.

The game intensifies as players must exhibit a steady hand and precise movements to avoid triggering the buzzer. The buzzing sound and the flashing nose light add tension and excitement, creating a sense of urgency and challenge. The player with the highest score after all the ailments have been removed is declared the winner.

Operation not only tests players' manual dexterity but also challenges their concentration and control. It requires a delicate touch and steady hand-eye coordination to navigate the narrow openings without setting off the buzzer. The gameplay encourages players to carefully plan their moves, assess the risks involved, and execute precise maneuvers to achieve successful "operations" on Cavity Sam.

While Operation is often played as a fun family game, it can also serve as an entertaining way to introduce the concept of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience to younger players. The whimsical and comical design of the patient and his ailments adds to the game's lighthearted appeal, making it enjoyable for players of all ages.

In summary, the objective of the game Operation is to skillfully remove various ailments from the patient's body without touching the metal edges of the openings. Players must navigate the narrow passages using metal tweezers, aiming to extract each ailment successfully. The game tests players' dexterity, concentration, and control, creating a challenging and engaging experience. Operation has remained a beloved and timeless classic, providing hours of fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.