1960s · board games
Operation
Steady hands, tweezers, and a buzzer when you touched the metal edge. Removing the funny bone while your friend laughed at your nerves.
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Image: Openverse / Flickr · License
◆ Did you have this?
👍 I had this💔 I wanted this- Era
- 60s
- Released
- 1965
- Category
- board games
Before you buy
- For an original edition, compare the model name, packaging, and release details with the seller’s photos.
- Check the condition, included accessories, delivery cost, and return terms on the listing before ordering.
From the archive
Watch the commercial
▶ Now playing
The pitch
Operation! Carefully remove funny bone, butterflies in the stomach, and bread basket without touching the sides! One slip and the buzzer screams and Cavity Sam's nose lights up red. Steady hands only.
Why people remember it
- The nose light blinked red like a real alarm.
- Each ailment had a pun name adults secretly loved.
- It taught fine motor skills disguised as surgery.
Did you know?
- John Spinello sold the original prototype to Marvin Glass and Associates for $500 and a job promise.
- Spinello never received royalties despite Operation selling over 45 million copies.
- A crowdfunding campaign in 2014 raised money to help Spinello with medical bills.
- The tweezers complete a circuit when they touch the metal edges, triggering the buzzer.
How people search for it
“buzzing surgery game”, “red nose patient game”, “remove funny bone game”
Questions people ask
- Can you still buy Operation?
- Yes, with licensed skins like cartoons. Replacement tweezers and cards are cheap.
- Why did the buzzer stop working?
- Old batteries or oxidized edges. Cleaning contacts often fixes vintage boards.
