Why Was 6 Afraid of 7?
Posted by Robyn Lee in Reviews on Friday, April 30, 2010 4:37 PM
Out of the Box Publishing recently came out with three new card games and boy was I excited to get review samples to try out for myself. Luckily I have a sister next door with six kids so there are plenty of opportunities to play games.
Last night my sister was having a party so I decided to bring the card game 7 Ate 9.
Kian (age 10) and Fiona (age 8) asked to play. We opened the tin case and started to read the directions.
Step one: shuffle the cards.
Did you ever notice that fresh new cards are very difficult to shuffle? Kian handed them off to his mom, while I continued to read the directions.
It was funny to notice the different ways kids learn. Reading the directions out loud, Kian understood the concept right away. Fiona, who is 2 years younger than Kian, took a little while longer to understand, but when I showed her a picture of how the game worked she understood immediately.
The way the game works is that there are cards 1 through 10. On the corner of each card is either a 1,2, or 3 with a plus and minus symbol. Players add, or subtract, the 1, 2, or 3 to the number on the top card on the pile to determine if they have a card that can be played next.
For example if a 5 is played with a 2 (+ or -) in the corner the next card to be played is either a 3 (because 5-2=3) or a 7 (because 5+2=7).
This game is really amazing because the top card is changing constantly so you have to add or subtract the numbers in your head quickly, and put down your card, before another player plays his card first.
As I played, I commented to my sister and cousin (who is a teacher): “this is a really great game — no really — it’s fun and educational too.” (They chuckled and rolled their eyes at me).
I think the proof comes from the kids. They really enjoyed the game and they didn’t even realize that they were practicing their simple addition and subtraction tables.
And as my sister pointed out, it is a good game for adults too because it keeps the mind fresh and active.
The other nice thing about the game is that it’s quick. One round didn’t take more than five minutes to play. 7 Ate 9 is ages 8 to adult and for 2 to 4 players.
Check out the other Quick Games Super Circles and Run Wild.
Out of the Box Publishing is offering a five-game giveaway of 7 Ate 9!
Leave me a comment about a fun, but educational game that you like to play with your kids (made-up or purchased game) and enter a chance to win.
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