Unusual musicians
Each participant receives an unusual tool, for example, two spoons. The guys take turns pulling out a forfeit, which contains any song. Participants take turns playing this song on their spoons: one participant sings the melody, and the rest guess what the song is. Whoever guessed first raises his hand and answers. If a participant correctly names a song performed by another participant, he receives a point. And at the end of the game they count whoever has the most points will be the winner. A prize can also be awarded to the most fun and talented musician.
Sticky chameleons
@"Beaver Games (Board Games)" / YouTube
- Age: 6+.
- Number of players: 2–6.
- Duration: from 15 minutes.
An active game with interesting mechanics for dexterity and coordination, which will lift your spirits and give you a storm of emotions. Sticky Chameleons is a bug hunt in the truest sense of the word.
Each player gets a sticky rubber tongue, which they have to slap around the table, trying to pick up a certain type of insect. You need to be extremely precise so as not to hit the wasps. And of course, don’t yawn: there are a lot of hungry chameleons, and there won’t be enough tasty bugs for everyone.
Price: 1,290 rubles.
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Your guesses
For this competition, the presenter must prepare pictures depicting various banknotes, or rather, banknotes of different currencies (the banknotes can be printed for greater interest). So, the presenter takes turns showing a banknote of a certain country (American dollar, Russian ruble, Ukrainian hryvnia, German mark, Norwegian krone, Belarusian ruble, Polish zloty, Chinese yuan, and so on). The guys must guess whose country’s banknote the presenter is showing; the main thing is to look closely at the inscriptions and images of the banknote. Whoever was the first to guess which country's currency is in front of him raises his hand and answers; a point is awarded for the correct answer. If all the children have difficulty recognizing a banknote, the leader helps the children with hints and leading questions. Whoever has the most points in the end is the winner.
Dobble
@"Igroved - a chain of board game stores" / YouTube
- Age: 6+.
- Number of players: 2–8
- Game duration: 15 minutes.
A quick game with simple rules that develops attentiveness and sharpness of reaction. “Dobble” is liked by both children and adults - an ideal option for a noisy company or a family where they like to laugh.
The cards, stored in a round tin box, each have one common picture, and it is on their search that the gameplay of five different mechanics is based. Depending on the version of the rules, you can collect cards or throw them to your opponents, but to do this you first need to find the same symbols.
Price: 1,099 rubles.
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spin the bottle game
For this game you will need several sets (according to the number of teams) of different bottles (5-liter, 2-liter, 1.5-liter and half-liter). The guys are divided into teams with the same number of people. The members of each team stand in separate rows, one after the other. The bottles are arranged in a row for each team at the same distance. At the command “start”, the first participants run to the bottles and turn each one upside down. Then they run back and pass the baton to the second participants. The second participants run to the bottles and put them in their starting position, then run back and pass the baton to the third participants. Still others run to the bottles and turn them upside down again and run back. The game continues until one of the teams has the first participants again in first place. This team will be the winner.
Cheese castle
@IgraJby / YouTube
- Age: 5+.
- Number of players: 2–4.
- Game duration: from 15 minutes.
An atmospheric game that develops memory and spatial imagination, originally created for young board gamers. “Cheese Castle” is interesting even as a separate toy: a beautiful labyrinth-fortress has removable roofs and moving corridors. Inside there are funny little mice, which, if moved carelessly, can end up in dungeons.
The adventurers' task is to collect a collection of cheeses hidden in the master's castle with a team of four mice. This is not easy to do, because the goodies are hidden under roofs that are removed only during the move. In addition, opponents can move the floor, and then not only will the position of the cheese change, but there will also be a risk of falling into a trap, losing one scout.
Price: 1,990 rubles.
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Terrestrial and sea
The guys are divided into teams with the same number of participants. Each team receives a piece of paper, a pen and a minute to think. In a minute, the guys must make a list of creatures or objects that are terrestrial and sea, that is, what we can simultaneously call sea, and what is (lives or exists) on land, for example, cabbage (sea and simple), horse (sea and simple horse-animal), star (sea and celestial body), fight (sea - game and fight in the ring, for example), shell (sea and washbasin), cat (there is a sea and there is a simple cat - animal) and so on. The team that turns out to be the smartest and makes the longest list of “sea and land” in 1 minute will be the winner.
Barabashka's childhood
@"Board Games - Lifestyle" / YouTube
- Age: 4+.
- Number of players: 2–6.
- Duration: from 15 minutes.
A game designed for children to develop attentiveness and quick thinking. Thanks to simple rules and funny colorful characters, “Barabashka’s Childhood” risks being liked by a child and becoming a favorite board game.
The main character and his village friends are depicted on the cards in different colors. Participants turn over the cards one by one, and then quickly grab the figures with the correct color that are in the picture. The fastest one gets a point, and the victory goes to the one who collects the most items by the time the deck is empty.
Price: 1,107 rubles.
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Rating of board games for children over 10 years old for 2021
1. Best board game for travel: Mattel Uno W2087
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Why we liked it: no matter how long the road is, it certainly won’t seem boring with Uno. Editor's Rating:
Thanks to simple rules, children barely 5–6 years old can play Uno, although the age limit for the game is 7+. The older generation, as well as parents, will also like it. Well, judge for yourself, who among the elderly does not like to play cards? The only thing that mars the impression of the game is the cramped box in which the cards are supposed to be put away at the end of the game, but these are such trifles.
The exciting and cheerful “Uno” will help the family to truly get closer, spend time at home even in a train compartment or on a picnic, and get on the same level with a 10-year-old schoolchild. After all, it becomes more and more difficult to establish a trusting relationship with a growing child, but at the same time, it is during this period that the teenager needs them most.
Rules of the game
The game consists of 108 cards of 4 colors. In addition to the color division, there is also a digital one - numbering from 0 to 9. There are also special cards: transition and skipping a move, color assignment, “Take two” and “Take four”.
Uno has several rules. The essence of it all comes down to getting rid of cards faster than other players. And points are awarded for those remaining on hand. Depending on the agreements, points can be either penalties or vice versa - bonus points.
pros
- family, travel;
- with simple rules;
- Suitable for playing with two people or a large group.
Minuses
- tight packaging box for cards.
2. Best word board game: Mattel Scrabble Y9618
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Why we liked it: Spending time with family or friends can be fun and useful. Editor's Rating:
A game about words enriches vocabulary and teaches literacy, trains memory, imagination and the ability to calculate several moves in advance.
Please note that the manufacturer for this and the previous games is the same, so the problem with the packaging is repeated. The box is made of very thin, easily wrinkled cardboard. But the content is more interesting, isn't it?
Rules of the game
If you've ever done a crossword puzzle, you'll quickly understand the rules of Scrabble. Players, who can be from 2 to 4 people, are dealt 7 letters blindly. Each participant, on his turn, must come up with a noun from them, which he will place horizontally or vertically. In this case, it is necessary that the new word intersects in one or more places with those already on the field.
For each letter used, a certain number of points are awarded. The latter, in turn, can double and even triple if the letters “fall” on special color-coded cells on the playing field. The more points a player scores per turn, the closer he gets to victory.
And you can play something similar to Scrabble, but in English, by purchasing another board game about words - Animal Letters English.
pros
- develops vocabulary, imagination, teaches literacy;
- has simple rules;
- Suitable for playing both together and with a small group.
Minuses
- The box is made of thin low-quality cardboard.
3. Best educational board game: “Evolution” from the “Correct Games” series
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Why we liked it: an exciting game that will find a place at the family table and in the biology classroom. Editor's Rating:
The game "Evolution" is based on the principle of natural selection, which states that the species most adapted to the environment survives.
The gift set includes the basic set, the Time to Fly and Continents expansions, as well as bonus feature cards. Expansions make the game even more interesting and multifaceted.
Rules of the game
From 2 to 6 people can participate in “Evolution”. They will create their own animals and, using special cards, give them properties that will help their pets survive. Or they won’t help... Each participant’s move is accompanied by feeding the animals. But the problem is that there is little food and, as a rule, there is not enough for the entire zoo created by the players.
The game ends as soon as the Evolution deck is empty. Then the participants only have to count the points. Points are awarded for surviving animals and their skills. As in nature, the strongest wins here too.
Inexperienced players can be quite intimidated and even confused by the instructions, although in reality the rules of “Evolution” are quite simple. A video review will help you figure out what’s what much faster:
pros
- educational game;
- you can play together or with a group;
- additions and bonus property cards included.
Minuses
- The instructions for the game are written in complex language.
4. The best board game for a large company: HOBBY WORLD “Mafia. Whole family to gather"
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Why we liked it: A great role-playing game that will add fun to any party. Editor's Rating:
The city falls asleep - the mafia wakes up! The phrase, which has almost become a catchphrase, is directly related to the world-famous game “Mafia”. In this case, we will talk about its compact version - a travel kit that is convenient to carry in your pocket. After all, a teenager will probably want to take the tabletop with him to a party or to visit friends.
The game not only gives you a good mood, it is also useful because it develops attention, speech, memory, intellectual abilities, observation, logic and the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
Rules of the game
“Mafia,” like “Uno,” is fun to play with a large group—in this case, you need at least 7 people. Participants choose a leader, then each of them randomly receives a card with a character. Rest assured, there will definitely be at least one malicious criminal among the civilians. And you need to catch him as soon as possible - this is the only chance for a quiet life for the townspeople.
How insightful and how good are you at reading people? Do you know how to bluff without being figured out until the last minute? Challenge yourself. And yes, “Mafia” is open to diversity in the rules. Be smart and come up with character restrictions to make the game even brighter.
pros
- develops many useful skills;
- compact;
- allows you to change the rules.
Minuses
- A minimum of 7 people are required to play.
5. Best logic board game: “Potion Making. Workshop" from the series "Correct Games"
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Why we liked it: The best gift for young Harry Potter fans. Editor's Rating:
Imagine that you are a student at the School of Magic and Witchcraft, where you can make any magical drink, for example, a love potion or an elixir of eternal youth. Tempting, isn't it? At the same time, you have a real opportunity to improve your logical thinking, memory and attentiveness.
Rules of the game
The board game is designed for 2 players or a group of up to 6 people. Special cards act as elements of magical substances. Each one also has a recipe. To make a potion and get points for it, you will need to collect all the ingredients specified in the recipe. Does not work? Then you will have to replenish the magic cabinet with valuable elements. However, the price for this is unwitting help to your opponents and the loss of one of your recipes, and therefore the opportunity to get points for it.
The game ends once all 76 cards from the deck have been played. By the way, be careful with them - the edges of cards made of thin cardboard easily break. The winner will be the participant with the most points.
The game has two expansions: “University Course” and “Alchemists Guild”.
pros
- develops logical thinking and attentiveness;
- suitable for playing with two or more people;
- has extensions.
Minuses
- cards made of thin cardboard.
6. Best Strategy Board Game: HOBBY WORLD Catan
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Why we liked it: This game comes back to you like a good book. No matter how much you play it, you discover something new every time. Editor's Rating:
"Catan. Colonizers" is a board game known all over the world and has earned several awards in the "Best Game" categories in Russia, the USA and Germany. Why is she so good? Catan develops communication skills, strategic thinking and perseverance. And it is so addictive that you forget about everything in the world, playing it again and again, like the first time.
Among the shortcomings, perhaps, we can only mention the packaging - there are not enough dividers in it, which is why all the game elements get mixed up during transportation.
Rules of the game
"Catan" is designed for 2, 3 or 4 participants. Its rules are clear and simple, and the board itself is suitable for everyone. Moreover, not only strategic thinking and diplomacy are important in the game, but also luck. It is this that gives young players every chance to win over more experienced adult opponents.
On the island of Catan, which consists of 19 regions, you have to found your own colonial state. You will collect raw materials with which you can:
- pave roads;
- build and develop cities;
- trade available resources with other participants;
- gather an army.
Players are awarded points for competent business activity. To win, you need to score 10 points.
And with expansions for the game, there is even more room for adventure.
pros
- develops strategic thinking and teaches communication skills;
- has simple rules;
- can be supplemented with extensions.
Minuses
- Game elements are mixed in the box during transportation.
7. Best quest board game: HOBBY WORLD “Secrets of Arkham”
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Why we liked it: a team game-book for young adventurers-detectives who want to get to the bottom of the truth at any cost. Editor's Rating:
The plot of the atmospheric game captures you from the first page of the book of investigations. We warn you right away that there will be quite a lot of reading involved in this board game, so it is only for thoughtful book lovers.
You find yourself in the 1920s. to the city of Arkham, which is located in Massachusetts. It is here that you and your friends will have to investigate mysterious crimes with elements of mysticism and horror. Of course, they have a rational explanation, because you, as a true detective, believe only in facts.
"The Secrets of Arkham" trains determination and determination, the ability to calmly behave in a critical situation. And thanks to nonlinearity, when you can go anywhere and do anything, it develops thinking, logic, memory and imagination.
Rules of the game
"Secrets of Arkham" can be played either alone or in a team of up to 8 people inclusive. To unravel the case, you will collect useful information, but in a strictly allotted time. You will also need:
- plan routes so as not to accidentally return to a previously used address;
- consult with experts;
- check versions;
- keep records of actions.
Even this is not a complete list of gaming activities.
pros
- development of useful skills;
- the ability to play alone or with a large group;
- freedom of action in the game.
Minuses
- During the investigation process, you will have to read a lot, which may not appeal to everyone.
8. Best educational board game: LEGO Creator “Chess and Checkers” (401740)
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Why we liked it: an interesting idea of combining classic chess and checkers with a construction set. Games will serve as excellent mental gymnastics for your child. Editor's Rating:
The classics, which have long since turned from ordinary board games into a competitive sport, cannot go out of fashion. And in combination with the Lego constructor, which children love so much, there is no chance of not liking the set. And the benefits of it are obvious. The designer develops logical thinking, patience and perseverance, teaches the child to create, unlike the same computer shooters. Chess and checkers form logical thinking and develop resistance to stress.
Rules of the game
It is unnecessary to talk about the rules of the game in this case. There is hardly a person who does not know them. Let's just say that the set consists of 1450 parts. Once assembled, the figures are securely attached to the board. Maybe even too much - small checkers are difficult to move due to their tight fit. The construction set can be easily assembled by a 9-10 year old child and can also be quickly disassembled for transportation.
pros
- 2 classic board games combined with Lego;
- development of logic and patience;
- ease of assembly and disassembly.
Minuses
- Due to the tight connection to the board, the checkers are difficult to move.
9. Best Puzzle Board Game: Spin Master Perplexus Beast (6053142)
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Why we liked it: for the patient, diligent and purposeful. Editor's Rating:
Unlike Secrets of Arkham, for example, this game is designed for only one player. Although Perplexus also develops patience and perseverance, logic and attentiveness. And thanks to the compactness of the game, made in the form of a sphere with a diameter of 19 cm, you can test your extraordinary abilities anywhere. For example, on a bench in the park or at school, in line at the cash register or on the bus.
Rules of the game
Perplexus Beast is a cool 3D puzzle game with many obstacles, including a loop, a tricky turn, a spiral and much more. All this makes up a 7 m long labyrinth. It has about 100 steps, which you will have to overcome with the help of a small iron ball in order to eventually reach the finish line. But keep in mind that the closer you can get to it, the more difficult the track will become.
And for younger lovers of mazes, we can recommend the “Crazy Maze” board game, which is fun to play with the whole family.
pros
- develops patience, logic and attentiveness;
- is a very long maze with many obstacles;
- It is compact, so you can take it with you anywhere.
Minuses
- the game is for one participant only.
Scrabble Junior
@"Igroved - a chain of board game stores" / YouTube
- Age: 6+.
- Number of players: 2–4.
- Game duration: from 15 minutes.
A game well known to many under the name “Scrabble”, which expands horizons and improves memory, and also allows young children to learn how to form words from letters.
The mechanics are based on ordinary crossword puzzles. From the available chips, you need to place the longest words on the field, trying to get as many points as possible. The junior version has two game options: with pictures and some letters (for the little ones) and classic Scrabble (for older kids and adults).
Price: 1,570 rubles.
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What to look for when buying a board game for a child over 10 years old
It is possible to interest a teenager in board games to such an extent that he is distracted from the computer, but only by choosing the right game. Therefore, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Theme – It is extremely important to choose a board that suits your child’s temperament and interests. For those in the humanities, quiet games related to composing words or aimed at perseverance are suitable. Strategies are ideal for children with a mathematical mind. Fans of detective stories will love quests.
- Level of difficulty - at the age of 10–16 years, children usually strive to stand out, prove to others and themselves what they are worth, to show that they are already old enough, independent and smart. It’s too easy to win a primitive game, who do you have to prove to? You won’t be able to figure it out so easily with someone who’s too smart, and you’ll end up embarrassing yourself in front of your comrades. Besides, in both cases it will be boring.
- Number of players - for a teenager, as mentioned earlier, communication with peers is very important, and it won’t hurt to establish friendly contact with parents. From this point of view, team games are good. On the other hand, sometimes a child simply has no one to play with - parents are busy, friends have moved away. Then a game for 1-2 people will come to the rescue.
- Size – Teenagers usually don’t like to stay at home. It’s good if the tabletop is compact so that you can take it with you on the street, on the road or on a visit.
If you take these nuances into account, you will be able to choose the ideal desktop.
Colonizers Junior
@"BoardGames Video - board games" / YouTube
- Age: 6+.
- Number of players: 2–4.
- Duration: from 30 minutes.
An exciting strategy for developing thinking and economic skills. “Colonizers Junior” will take children into the exciting world of pirates who are exploring new islands and looking for treasure.
The goal of the settlers is to establish seven pirate camps using one token of each type of loot. The required amount of resources can be obtained from your territories or traded with other players. In addition, you can build camps, ships, and also turn to the sage parrot Coco for help.
Price: 1,990 rubles.
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What board games are there for children over 10 years old and why are they good?
At the age of 10–16, teenagers value creativity and excitement most when it comes to entertainment. In addition, at this age, the company of like-minded peers is extremely important for children - and this is another argument in favor of board games. Most of them serve as an aid in the socialization of the child, as opposed to the virtual world so beloved by teenagers. So it's time to get into reality! “What should I do there?!” - the child will probably be indignant. Play board games, of course. Let’s try to figure out what they are and how else they are useful.
Thus, board games are divided into the following categories:
- Logical - their main task is to teach you to see cause-and-effect relationships, develop logic and analytical thinking. Playing them is never boring. Take, for example, the classics of logic board games - “Tic Tac Toe” or “Battleship”. Surely there is at least one of these in the margins of your child’s school notebook.
- Strategic - they force you to think, otherwise you simply cannot win at them. It has been noticed that such games are especially popular among boys.
- Educational - in a playful way, they teach the child to recognize phenomena or events. They are appropriate even for extracurricular lessons, because they allow you not only to spend your leisure time interestingly, but also to gain new knowledge.
- Educational - almost all board games to one degree or another can be classified into this category. The ones that stand out among them are those that teach something specific, for example, a foreign language or the game of chess.
- About words - by playing such boards, children enrich their vocabulary, learn new information, train literacy, develop intelligence and broaden their horizons. Agree, these skills will be useful at absolutely any age.
- For a large company - they help master the art of communication and, possibly, find new friends with similar interests.
- Quests are also designed for team play, live communication and, above all, designed to distract a teenager from the computer. Well, they also force you to “use your brain” and develop ingenuity and observation.
- Puzzles teach perseverance and patience, which teenagers sometimes lack. They teach children attentiveness, analysis and logical thinking.
You can choose a game for your child that falls into several categories at once. And if you or your friends also have children under 10 years old, then it’s worth looking for something for them too. Reviews of board games for preschoolers and children aged 7-9 will help with this.