Mille Bornes

Mille Bornes is more than just a card game—it’s a unique mix of racing excitement, strategy, and a touch of sabotage. First published in France in 1954 by Edmond Dujardin, it quickly crossed the Atlantic and became a Parker Brothers bestseller in the U.S., even outselling Monopoly for a time. Today, it remains a family favorite and a staple in the world of classic card games.

Featured Snippet Answer

Mille Bornes is a French racing-themed card game where players try to be the first to travel exactly 1,000 miles by playing distance cards while using hazard cards to slow opponents. It combines strategy, luck, and timing, with bonus points awarded for special moves like the “Coup Fourré.”

• Objective: Be the first to reach 1,000 miles exactly.
   
• Four card types: Distance, Hazard, Remedy, Safety.
   
• Play hazards on opponents and use remedies to keep moving.
   
• “Coup Fourré” gives bonus points when countering a hazard instantly.
   
• First to 5,000 points over several hands wins the game.
   

What is Mille Bornes?

The name “Mille Bornes” translates to “a thousand milestones,” inspired by the kilometer markers along French roads.

The game is based on the earlier American game Touring but adds strategic twists, like safety cards and Coup Fourré bonuses. Its mix of racing tension and tactical sabotage makes it engaging for both casual and competitive players.

Mille Bornes Rules Overview

The game is played with a 106-card deck divided into four main types. Players draw and play cards to move forward in mileage while hindering opponents. The standard winning distance is 1,000 miles, though shorter games may use 700 miles as the goal.

Card Types Explained

Distance Cards – 25, 50, 75, 100, 200 miles (only two 200-mile cards allowed per game).
Hazard Cards – Stop, Out of Gas, Flat Tire, Accident, Speed Limit.
Remedy Cards – Roll, Gasoline, Spare Tire, Repairs, End of Limit.
Safety Cards – Right of Way, Extra Tank, Puncture-Proof, Driving Ace (immune to corresponding hazards).

How to Play Mille Bornes Step-by-Step

1. Shuffle and deal six cards to each player.
    
2. Place the rest of the deck in the center as a draw pile.
    
3. On your turn: draw one card, then play one card or discard.
    
4. To start moving, play a “Roll” card.
    
5. Play distance cards to accumulate miles.
    
6. Play hazard cards on opponents to stop their progress.
    
7. Remedy hazards against you to resume driving.
    
8. Use safety cards for immunity and Coup Fourré opportunities.
    
9. End the hand when a player reaches exactly 1,000 miles.
    

Scoring System

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Mistake: Playing hazards randomly.
  Fix: Time hazards when they cause maximum disruption.
   
• Mistake: Using safeties immediately.
  Fix: Hold them for a Coup Fourré if possible.
   

Mille Bornes in the Digital Age

The game has been adapted into PC software, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and themed physical editions. Winning Moves Games continues to publish it, keeping the original charm intact.

While Touring was simpler, Mille Bornes added depth with safeties and Coup Fourré bonuses. Modern games like “Formula D” and “Automobile” offer more realism, but Mille Bornes retains a balance of strategy and accessibility unmatched by many newer titles.

Mille Bornes remains a timeless classic because it blends simple rules with deep strategy. Whether played with vintage cards or on a smartphone, its mix of racing, blocking, and clever card play ensures it stays fresh decades after its debut.