I like Risk because, like chess, it requires you to think ahead to your next several while you plan both your offensive and defensive strategies. Your likelihood of victory is largely based on your foresight and strategic allocation of risk across your territories. It’s different from a lot of other board games in that one player’s moves and attacks (or lack thereof) requires that all the others adjust their strategy in response.

There are four ways to play Risk: classic, secret mission, classic for two players, and capital. While you can play with up to six people, that is probably one too many, as someone is likely to be knocked out within a couple of rounds. There is a version of classic Risk you can play with two people with a neutral “buffer” army, but it’s not nearly as exciting as playing with even one more person.

There isn’t much to say about the physical game itself other than that everything fits neatly in the box when you put away the game. The design of the box is sometimes an afterthought with board game manufacturers – this one actually keeps everything organized after you’ve opened it for the first time. I remember the war chests being made of plastic, but other than that, the board looks more or less as I remember it.

Risk is the game that got my son interested in board games. I love how we’re making memories that he will keep with him forever, even though he usually beats me when my “North America/Europe” strategy fails. I fondly recall playing Risk with my friends in middle and high school, and hope that he will discover the joy of playing games with friends as well. It makes me happy to know that he has found a game that doesn’t involve a screen.

Yes, this tube costs several times what a basic one from a department store does, but it’s going to outperform and outlive the “El Cheapo” that goes into the landfill after a single season. It’s the difference between six-piston disc brakes on a Ferrari versus drum brakes on a KIA. The Bradley tube is designed for tubing and skiing facilities and will be more than enough for casual recreational use at your local sledding hill.

I landed on this one as a result of my quest for the most durable snow tube on the market that I could tow behind my John Deere Gator side-by-side. In order to minimize their legal liability, the manufacturer is going to state that their product is not intended for towing behind a motorized vehicle. While you should follow their recommendations, I can attest that this tube, especially the sewn-in tow loop, is up to the job. Our kids have a blast getting whipped around our expansive front acreage on this at 30+ mph. Use common sense, a strong rope, and always be cognizant of where the tube is in relation to the tow vehicle and fixed obstacles.

Once it’s inflated, the tube will measure about 43″ across. This is more than enough for any kid and most adults. The deluxe edition (the one that I have linked to) includes the insert for the bottom of the tube so that small children can use it. The company lists a 200-pound limit, but I’m sure they’re being extremely conservative given how overbuilt this tube is. I am 6’1″ and 250 pounds and I fit comfortably in it.

I love that this is manufactured in America. This was my first experience with this company, but they have earned my respect with their commitment to quality and attention to detail.

You will go fast in this tube! I was impressed with how effortlessly this tube slides along the surface of the snow even just on level ground. Don’t worry about trying to wax the bottom to make it go faster – there is hardly any drag at all.

The black plastic/canvas material on the bottom of the cover is tough. We used the tube a couple of times when you could still see the very tips of the grass poking up, so I’m sure we were going over all kinds of sticks and twigs. I even sent my son gliding over the gravel driveway (which, unlike the grass, wasn’t covered by snow) without getting putting even a scratch on the bottom. The company does sell replacement covers separately, but I doubt that you’ll ever need one unless you’re really abusing it.

The tube comes with detailed instructions, even though it’s straightforward how to fit the cover onto the tube. Make sure that you adequately inflate the inner tube. The bottom of the tube should make a drum sound when you tap on it. You will need an air compressor, as the rubber of the tube is truly commercial grade.