Many players mistakenly believe they can bypass the entrance requirement to enter the Safety Zone, but the official rules mandate a specific entry point.
No, according to the Hasbro Official Rulebook, you cannot simply start from the Safety Zone; you must enter it through a specific square.
According to the official rules, the Safety Zone is the five colored squares preceding each Home. A player can only enter this zone by a forward move through the specific square marked 'Enters to Go Home.' While a player may be forced backward out of the Safety Zone by a 4 or 10 card, the entrance itself is strictly regulated. The only exception to this movement restriction is the exchange of pieces by an opponent through the play of an 11 card.
Example Play Situation
Alice has a red man positioned just before the entrance square. She draws a forward move card and moves her man onto the 'Enters to Go Home' square, officially entering her Safety Zone. Bob then draws a 10 and is forced to move his man backward out of his own Safety Zone.
Common Misconceptions
Entering the Safety Zone from any square
Moving backward into the Safety Zone as a standard move
Skipping the 'Enters to Go Home' square
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Enter the Safety Zone via the 'Enters to Go Home' square
Move forward beyond the entrance square without entering the Safety Zone
Use forward moves to enter the Safety Zone
Enter the Safety Zone using a backward move (unless forced by specific cards)
Move backward out of the Safety Zone if forced by a 4 or 10 card
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for entering the Safety Zone in Sorry!?
You must enter through the 'Enters to Go Home' square using a forward move.
Can I move my man directly into the Safety Zone from a Margin Square?
No, you must pass through the designated entrance square first.
Is it allowed to move backward out of the Safety Zone?
Yes, if you are compelled by a 4 or 10 card to move backwards.
What if I draw a 4 while my man is in the Safety Zone?
You must move that man backward 4 spaces if you have no other man in play.
