Matribus

By OH' Games ApS
Price $36.78
Age 9+

Children find Matribus to be highly engaging fun, in part because game play is easy to grasp but filled with what can be fairly intricate decision-making. The math involved is simple (addition constantly comes into play), but the logic and choices are surprisingly rich. The goal is to get 3 in a row on the game board (a 6 X 6 grid of numbered spaces) either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The first player to do so 3 times in the same game wins. Players take turns rolling a die. Each move consists of either A) placing a colored piece on a space whose number matches the die, or B) placing a number token that matches the die next to any row as a means of reserving the ability to add that number to a later roll. When the latter occurs, the choice of which row to put a number token next to is vital since its later use will be restricted to that row. Games move at a hearty pace, and the excellent balance of skill and luck (those rolls of the die can be game-changers) make Matribus a game kids enjoy playing again and again. For 2 players.