The unfair game of life
The dice are in your hands. The odds are not.
Disparity Trap is the socially conscious board game that gives you an easy way to have the hard conversations about race and privilege in America.
- Step into an identity different from your own
- Every dice roll is tied to a real-life statistic
- Work together to dismantle the Disparity Traps
- Discussion questions at every stage of the game
Choose your set
- Secure checkout
- Ships within 5 to 7 days
- 14-day returns on unopened games
- Ages 14 and up
What's in the box
1 rulebook (8-page booklet), 1 gameboard, 1 die, 6 pawns, 6 position cards, 12 Justice/Power tokens, 18 wealth tiles, 30 preparation tiles, 30 privilege tokens and 102 playing cards.
How it plays
Your goal is to accrue as much wealth as you can. Your team goal is to work with fellow players to dismantle the Disparity Traps that keep everyone in poverty. 5 minutes to get started, 60 to 90 minutes of game play, 2 to 6 players per box.
Who it's for
Teenagers and adults, ages 14 and up. Play it at home with friends and family, in professional settings, or in junior high through college-level classrooms.
SD and SND explained
Systemically dominant (SD) means those a system was created to benefit. Systemically non-dominant (SND) means those a system was not created to benefit. The terms are from the "IST of an ISM" paradigm by Debra (Debi) Jenkins, PhD, used by permission. Read more.
The count so far
Board games sold
Played in homes, classrooms and workshops
Why the dice are loaded
The odds in the game come from the odds in real life.
Each card with a QR code cites a published statistic, and that statistic decides which rolls win.
more callbacks go to White applicants than to Black applicants with identical resumes.
Source: Harvard Business Review Card TW1 · Get a JobBlack borrowers are more than twice as likely to be denied a mortgage loan as their White counterparts.
Source: LendingTree Card TH1 · Home LoanPick your mode
Two ways to win. One way to lose.
How you win
Be the first to make it around the board!
How you win
All players must make it to at least Tier Three on the board.
How you lose
Another player makes it completely around the board before you.
Inside the Game Set
What you get
- 102Playing cards
- 30Preparation tiles
- 30Privilege tokens
- 18Wealth tiles
- 12Justice/Power tokens
- 6Pawns
- 6Position cards
- 1Gameboard
- 1Die
- 1Rulebook (8-page booklet)
Keep the conversation going
The workbook
Included with the Educator Set, Educator Bundle and Donor Bundle. It is Print and Play: an electronic document you can print as needed.
Discussion questions
Throughout each stage of the game, there are thought-provoking questions the group can ask themselves to spark conversation about where each player currently is in the game and what led them to be in those positions.
Journal sections
Before, during and after the discussions, participants are encouraged to journal their thoughts within the workbook so that they can refer to them later.
Homework assignments
After the dust has settled and the participants have had time to think on their experience, there are post-game questions for them to complete and turn in as a homework assignment or to share in a wrap-up discussion at a later time.
Playing it vs. hearing about it
A lecture tells people that the odds differ. The game lets them roll those odds.
| Disparity Trap | Lecture or slideshow | |
|---|---|---|
| You play as an identity different from your own | Yes | No |
| Outcomes follow cited statistics | Yes | Sometimes |
| Everyone takes part at once | Yes | No |
| Discussion questions built in | Yes | Sometimes |
A game you can trust in the room
Built on real statistics
15 cards carry a QR code that links to the published source behind them.
Grounded in research
Leans on the research and work of Dr. Debra (Debi) Jenkins and her SD and SND language.
Made for discussion
Discussion questions, journal sections and homework assignments guide the conversation.
Ages 14 and up
Great for teenagers and adults, for 2 to 6 players per box.
What players are saying
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
It forces you to see things from someone else's perspective!
It's really interesting to play multiple times and see all the things it makes you feel!
Really powerful!
"Disparity Trap brilliantly provides a learning opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of inequity."
A note from the creator
Why this game? Why now?
Disparity Trap is a board game that focuses the conversation on the systems and institutions established to create inequity within the United States and how we as individuals have the ability to alter those systems for the better. The game's sole purpose is to encourage participants to work together in order to understand systemic inequity more clearly.
Now, I know what you might be thinking, "Who wants to play a board game about systemic oppression?" To be honest, when I first conceived this idea back in 2019, I thought the same thing. However, with the two pandemics, COVID-19 and racism, over the past year, the world has been forced to stop in its tracks. And because of that detour, the light of injustice has shined far brighter than ever before.
With the murders and attacks on those who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) as they live their everyday lives at work, in the park, or simply walking down the street, it's hard to stand idle or be complacent. Seeing how racism has manifested into a spectrum of disguises in today's society has made me realize I couldn't shelve this game any longer. Our country is in crisis, and I believe the biggest obstacle is our inability to TALK about the issue.
How are we supposed to find a solution as a nation, when we can't even agree on the problem? If we don't talk about it now, then when? If not us, then who?
The objective of this game is to open a path toward conversation about the systemic impact of racism. I invite you to play the game, share your experience, and to join the conversation.
Christian Telesmar
Shop nowCollaborators
Each team member brings years of professional experience in their field, and a passion for the mission behind the game.
Christian Telesmar
Creator
Shannon Loys
Graphic Designer
Dr. Debra (Debi) Jenkins
Consultant
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Playing with a class or a team?
Educator Set
One full game set for up to 6 students, plus the Print and Play workbook.
$79.00 $50.00
Educator Bundle
4 full game sets for up to 24 students, plus the Print and Play workbook.
$249.00 $159.00
Donor Bundle
Everything in the Educator Bundle. We find a public school teacher in the Los Angeles area and donate it on your behalf.
$279.00 $179.00
Any last questions?
Where can I find the rulebook?
The updated rulebook, with simplified rules, is online. Use it in place of the printed rulebook in the box. Open the rulebook.
Are there tutorials for setting up and playing?
Yes. Step-by-step tutorials walk you through setup and play. Watch the tutorials.
Where can I see the statistics behind the cards?
The Card Library shows the real statistic and the source behind every card that has a QR code. Browse the Card Library.
Is this game appropriate for children?
This game is great for teenagers and adults, ages 14 and up.
How long does it take to learn and play?
5 minutes to get started and 60 to 90 minutes of game play, depending on how many players are in the game. Recommended for up to 6 players at a time.
When will my order ship?
Orders ship within 5 to 7 days.
What is your refund policy?
If you've paid for an order but have changed your mind about the purchase, you can request a refund. Refunds can be issued as long as the request is made within 14 days of purchase, or within 30 days of the release date for pre-ordered products, and the product has not been downloaded (virtual product) or opened or unwrapped (physical product).
Please note, if you have downloaded the virtual product or opened the product out of its wrapping, you will not be able to request a refund.
All refunds require the return of the unopened product, and the customer must cover the return shipping costs. If the product is returned undamaged, a refund for the product price will be issued to the card on file, less the shipping charge. Read the full refund policy.
Can I order multiple copies?
Yes. Increase the quantity as much as you like, or choose the Educator Bundle to play with up to 24 people at a time. Additional shipping may be added.
Do you offer international shipping?
Not currently. We recommend using the address of a US contact or a mail forwarding service.
Can I get Disparity Trap in other languages?
Not yet. For the time being, there is only an English language version of the game.
How do I nominate a teacher for a donated bundle?
Fill out the nomination form. To qualify, you must be employed with a public school or community-based organization that doesn't charge for its services.
I am a retailer. How do I carry the game?
Email us at DisparityTrap@gmail.com to discuss retailer partnerships.
How do I contact you?
DisparityTrap@gmail.com