Snake Oil

Top 12 of 2012- Major Fun

“I think Snake Oil should be a required class in all schools! So many benefits… too many to name.” Marbles the Brain Store Brain Coach

“We enjoyed Snake Oil, and laughed a lot. You might say it’s a humor elixir!” Game Theory

“Retailers will have no problem selling [Snake Oil] to any fun-loving customer” Games Magazine

Where are the rules? The rules are on the side of the box! In an attempt to offer more ecofriendly packaging, we have printed the rules right on the box.

Where is the Out of the Box Corner Cut? You have a first edition copy of Snake Oil printed by the inventor! We are hard at work preparing the second edition which features the familiar Out of the Box Corner Cut.

What is Snake Oil? Snake oil was first introduced to the United States in the 1860’s by Chinese laborers working on the Transcontinental Railroad.  After hard physical labor, they would rub sore muscles with an ointment made from water snake oil. The laborers shared this ancient Chinese remedy with their American co-workers. Products containing water snake oil are still used today by some herbalists. A recent study found it contained more omega-3 fatty acids than the highest form of fish oil. As snake oil grew in popularity, so did the claims and promised benefits. In 1917, a sample of Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment was tested by the U.S. government and was found to contain no actual snake oil. As a result of these swindlers’ false product claims and misleading labels, the phrase “Snake Oil Salesman” was born!  Today’s Snake Oil Salesmen are more likely to be seen as used cars salesmen and politicians.