by tcollett
I love playing board games, and I hope that my children will someday share in my passion for playing games. As with any child, there is the possiblity that they won't and I am fine with that, but I definitely want to put out opportunities so they can play.
While there are tons of wonderful games out there, many I can't play with my 5 y/o son because they are too complex for him at this time. I don't want him to grow up any faster than he is because time is flying by, but I do want him to have opportunities to play games with everyone at the table versus just something small for himself, his mom, and me.
I look for games because my son pulls up a chair next to me while the adults are playing games and looks across the board hoping and yearning for something he can contribute; a piece he can place, a card or cards he can pass out, maybe roll some dice. It is more than just playing the game; it is being part of the group. I do explain what I am doing and why but a 5 y/o only registers so much.
I had played Incan Gold a few times at the local gaming group. It is a nice light game, and I had purchased a copy but it sat on my shelf because there were other games that I personally wanted to play more. I played Incan Gold last week again at the local gaming group and realized that this was something my son could play and it is definitely a lot more fun in a large group setting.
There is something to be said when you put out the two cards (either going further into the temple or leaving) and a tent for everyone at the table and you make sure there is a place for him (my 5 y/o as well). The kid beamed with excitement because it was a new game, and he was going to get to play like everyone else.
So why is it a good game for him? Several reasons:
- It is fast and easy to play. Play 5 rounds and there are literally only two choices to make; going further in or leaving. The game usually doesn't last longer than 15 minutes.
- It plays 3 - 8 players. He got to be in a 6 player game which was huge to him. For him, it is being where everyone else is and doing what they do.
- It allows him to make his own decisions without anyone else telling him what he should do or how to do it. He makes mistakes like everyone else (sometimes leaving too early or not leaving soon enough), but he also learns that no one gets mad about it and to learn from your mistakes.
- Easy to teach and we can bring it out with almost any member of the family. Grandpa and grandma know how to play, his uncles and aunts can play, and his cousins that are around his age can play as well. Since it goes up to 8 people, that makes it even better because for him, the more people the better.
- He always has a card to play unless he leaves the temple. He always has something to do which is a big deal at that age.
- It has the wonderful little parts that kids just seem to gravitate towards (the colorful little nuggets). Having some of these that you have earned on your own versus playing the game with mom or dad and using their parts also adds some fun to the game as well.
- While there is some skill to the game, luck plays a huge part in it. For some this is a turn-off, but it puts him on the same playing field for the most part so that he can win a game or two from time to time.
This is definitely more than a kid's game though. While my 5 y/o finds it fun, so does most everyone in the family clear up through the grandparents. The larger the group, the more fun the game is in my opinion. As one person at the gaming group showed, it is fun to have someone be just a dealer while everyone else plays (and it also helps to get into the game a little bit for the kids).
While I know this game isn't for everyone with the huge luck factor, to me, it is a huge success with the family and friends. It plays fast, plays many, and includes those that sometimes are left to watching or helping versus playing. That right there makes it worth the price just to have some smiles from the little ones (and maybe some future gamers).
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