Players can send opponents' pieces back to the start by landing on them. Pieces are protected from capture after arriving in the final few slots. Unlike more complex race games, however, counters cannot be maneuvered to block opponents' moves.
The most notable feature of Trouble is the "Pop-o-matic" dice container. This device is a clear plastic hemisphere containing the die, placed over a flexible sheet. Players roll the die by pressing down quickly on the bubble, which flexes the sheet and causes the die to tumble upon its rebound.
The Pop-o-matic container produces a popping sound when it is used, and prevents the die from being lost. The captive die allows for quick dice rolls, and players' turns can be performed in rapid succession. The die is imprinted with Arabic numerals rather than the traditional circular pips (though the circular pips are used in the Travel version, which contains a cover to keep the pegs from being lost).
If the die in the "Pop-o-matic" container has not clearly landed on a number then the player that popped it can tap the "Pop-o-matic", but may not re-pop while the die is in limbo. The player can flick the board, but should not flick so hard that the board is moved.
Chance plays a part in the way this game is won. Depending on the number the die rolls is how may moves the player can make. Large numbers allow the player's piece to move further around the board, but small numbers can save the player from opponents.