As a kid, we had this card that we called “El Tape-o”; it was a red 3 and in the card game Hand and Feet that means losing several hundred points. So we avoided it like the plague. And when new friends would come play we’d giggle, because we all knew.
The worst part of any game is knowing what card is coming up because it’s bent or having to start over because the board got bumped or knocked down. And there are actually solutions for both of these major problems.
But sometimes it’s hard to know what new things are just gimmicks or what can actually be helpful when it comes to making gaming a more fun and lasting experience in the home or classroom… so we’re here to help ;]
Card protectors for your favorite games
Whether it’s uno, skip-bo, a plain deck of card, or something fancier, card protectors can keep them from getting torn or ruined by water. And when it’s a game that gets used often or is very deeply loved, this is pretty valuable especially since they’re so cheap.
A no-slip mat
We often play games as a family with our tiny kids running around. There is nothing more maddening than a bump to the table to scatter 47 neatly placed pieces. And nothing worse for family relationships either.
Get a mat or at the very least find some felt to put between the board and the table. It protects the board and also helps it from moving and gliding all around.
Card holders for small hands
When you have a fist full of cards and tiny hands, it can be difficult to remember the cards you have or look through the stack when your turn comes.
My most beloved part of playing games as a kid was my personal standing card holder [not those crazy circle things that are just not helpful].
Large Rubber Bands or x-shaped bands
When you have a lot of games or at the very least have multiple kids around your games, making sure they’re all banded is a great idea. We’ve had more exploding boxes than I care to admit and it’s the easiest way to lose pieces into the great unknown behind desks and furniture.
Quality dice that can be used for many games
So very many games like Yhatzee, Farkel, or Qwixx can be played with any ol’ dice. You just have to have the score pads. So swap out buying those games for more money than you need to spend, and instead get a great set of quality dice.
A nice deck of cards or two
Again, there are numerous games that can be played with a regular deck of cards and the type that can be easily shuffled, not ripped, and quickly dealt are worth it if you’re going to play a lot.
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How to effectively play games with little kids around