Quick answer
To set up the 6x6 Mega Volcano board, place the board on a flat surface, gather ten monochrome stashes (the equivalent of 10 different colors), and distribute them according to the Mega Volcano rules. Then follow the standard Volcano turn sequence: draw, place, and capture. The rules are available in the book Playing With Pyramids or for free online.
Playing With Pyramids
What you need before you start
The 6x6 Mega Volcano board is the largest of its kind that Looney Labs carries. It is made by a local game/puzzle company and features a black laser-cut grid affixed to a white base, giving it a sturdy and elegant look. To play Mega Volcano, you need the equivalent of 10 different monochrome stashes. These are not included with the board, so you will need to gather them from your collection or purchase them separately. The rules are not printed on the board itself; you can find them in the book Playing With Pyramids or for free online. Make sure you have a flat, spacious playing area, as the board is large and requires room for the stashes.
Setting up the board and stashes
Place the 6x6 Mega Volcano board on a flat surface, ensuring the black grid faces up. The grid is a 6x6 arrangement of squares, which is larger than standard Volcano boards. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding monochrome stash. In Mega Volcano, you need ten different colors, meaning up to ten players can participate, or you can play with fewer players using multiple colors each. Distribute the stashes so each player has their pieces within reach. The board does not have designated starting spaces; instead, players will place pieces during the game according to the rules.
Understanding the goal and basic turns
The goal of Mega Volcano is to capture opponent pieces by forming stacks and erupting them. On your turn, you typically draw a piece from your stash, place it on the board, and then make captures if possible. The exact rules for placement and capture are detailed in the official Mega Volcano rules. Because the board is 6x6, there are more spaces and opportunities for complex strategies compared to smaller Volcano boards. The larger board also means games can take longer, so plan for a session that may last longer than a standard game.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is using stashes that are not monochrome; each stash must be a single color to avoid confusion during captures. Another mistake is placing the board on an uneven surface, which can cause pieces to slide. Also, new players often forget that the rules are not included with the board, so they start without knowing the turn sequence. Be sure to have the rules handy before you begin. Finally, because the board is large, players may accidentally knock pieces over; play on a stable table and keep drinks away.
Step-by-step Mega Volcano setup and play
- 1. Gather your materials: Collect the 6x6 Mega Volcano board and ten monochrome stashes (each a different color). Ensure you have the rules from Playing With Pyramids or the free online version. Checkpoint: Count your stashes—you need exactly ten colors, and each stash should contain enough pieces for the game. Missing pieces? You can substitute with other Looney Labs pyramids, but keep colors distinct.
- 2. Set up the board: Place the board on a flat, stable surface with the black grid facing up. Position it so all players can reach it comfortably. Common mistake: Using a wobbly table can cause pieces to shift; use a sturdy table. Checkpoint: Ensure the board does not wobble when you press on it.
- 3. Distribute stashes: Give each player one monochrome stash. If you have fewer than ten players, decide whether to use multiple colors per player or leave some colors unused. Common mistake: Mixing colors within a stash—keep each stash monochrome for clarity. Checkpoint: Each player should have their pieces sorted by color and within reach.
- 4. Review the rules: Read the Mega Volcano rules carefully, focusing on placement, stacking, and capture mechanics. Since the rules are not on the board, take a few minutes to understand the turn sequence. Common mistake: Assuming standard Volcano rules apply—Mega Volcano may have variations due to the larger board. Checkpoint: Do a practice turn with no captures to ensure everyone understands.
- 5. Start playing: Begin with the designated starting player. On your turn, draw a piece from your stash, place it on any empty square, and then make captures if you can. Continue clockwise. Common mistake: Forgetting to capture when possible—captures are mandatory in Volcano games. Checkpoint: After each turn, verify that all captures have been resolved.
Product facts
- 6x6 Mega Volcano Board: These sturdy and elegant boards are made for us by a local game/puzzle company. They are formed by a black laser-cut grid affixed to a white base. MegaVolcano requires the equivalent of 10 different monochrome stashes. Rules are in the book Playing With Pyramids, or you can leave this site to find the rules to Mega volcano for free online. The MegaVolcano board is the largest of its kind we carry. Knowing the board's construction helps you appreciate its durability, and the fact that it requires 10 stashes means you need to gather enough pieces before playing. The rules being external means you should prepare them in advance.
