Words of wisdom from one of the Scouts at the troop meeting tonight. I was trying to explain the game when he said it: "This better not be one of those BORING educational games" I had to laugh. While the game does sharpen observation skills, and, when played with a partner, builds teamwork, it's definitely not boring.
Each person or team starts with 40 cards numbered 1 through 10 in 4 colors. The backs of each deck are marked for easy sorting at the end of each round.
Two to four people/teams can play. You set up the "blitz pile" and three additional face up cards, then prepare to move fast. Anyone with a 1 showing places it in the center of the table. 2 is next if it's the same color as the 1. Piles build in numerical order by color. You can play on any of the piles as long as your card is next consecutively and the same color. That may sound confusing, but only one round is needed to get the basics of this game.
There are more rules you can incorporate once you get the basics down. A round takes less than 10 minutes, setup is very quick, and cleanup takes very little time. You can count rounds, or keep score (instructions in the package) to decide who wins at the end of the evening.
Within a very few minutes, I had 8 laughing boys competing to see who could get the next card on the pile -- no throwing allowed, one hand per person or team at a time, no double-teaming. The teams worked well together, even though I had deliberately chosen boys who didn't generally work together in the troop, either because of age or because one was new to the troop. The youngest team was moving a little more slowly than the others, but I think they'll get it together with a few more rounds. If not, I'll re-arrange the teams for the next competition.
The boys are looking forward to having the game with them on this weekend's camping trip -- in case of rain. They may even be hoping for a late afternoon downpour.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 8.99 Type of Toy: Game
Age Range of Child: Kids to Teens
2 to 4 players Manufacturer's age recommendation: 8 years and up 160 cards, 1 rule sheet. Made in the USA., Recommended age group: 6 years and up, Man...More at Amazon Marketplace
Emily says, "This is always what I want to play when we play games!" Ammon says, "I think it is fun because you have to think about the numbers and mo...More at Love To Learn
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