Gobblet Gobblers

Gobblet Gobblers brings fun and new rules to tic, tac, toe.

Winner of numerous awards, Gobblet Gobblers brings new rules and an advanced level of fun to that familiar 3-in-a-row game of tic-tac-toe. Like tic-tac-toe, get three of your colored pieces in a row - vertically, horizontally, or diagonally - to win.  Unlike tic-tac-toe, Gobblet Gobblers includes 12 hollow pieces in three different sizes. Players can cover smaller pieces that have already been played to block or take over a spot (see the large orange piece over the medium blue piece above). The grid is 4 wooden planks with grooves that you assemble each time you play. They go together easily and the grid is sturdy once constructed. 

Object:

Be the first player to get three in a row.

Set up:

Make the grid and give each player their 6 pieces in one color.

Play:

Players will take turns placing one piece at a time on the board. On your turn you may do one of three options:

• Place a new piece in any empty space. 
• Place one of your larger pieces over any colored piece already on the board.
• Move one of your pieces already on the board to any empty space or to cover any other piece on the board.

If the piece you want to move is covering another piece, try to remember what is underneath that you will be uncovering. If you can't remember, you may inadvertently uncover your opponent's piece and help them win the game! 

This is a fun game that moves fairly quickly. Always keep an eye on what pieces the other player has left and keep your biggest pieces for strategic moves, as they can cover both medium and small pieces. All parts are wooden, well constructed, and brightly painted. Blue Orange plants two trees for every one tree they use to manufacture games.

If you like this game, check out Gobblet Junior and Gobblet.

Try this:

• Play for a win in one plane only, then two, until the individual can watch diagonal, vertical, and horizontal all at once.
• Start slower by just placing new pieces on the board, not moving pieces already on the board or covering pieces.
• Place a piece of paper near the board that shows the different ways to win. I make a box with nine squares, like the board, and then use a yellow highlighter to fill in a vertical win. Then make another box and use a highlighter to fill in a horizontal win. Do the same for diagonal. The individual can look at these examples as they play to help them remember what they are looking for.
• Practice recognizing wins before you play. I place a number of markers on a card and embed a win in one direction, then ask the individual to find the win. Do this over and over until they can see the wins before actually playing a game.
• Tell the individual to ask themselves three questions, in this order before they play: 1) Can I place one checker and win? If so, do it. If not, ask 2) Can I place one checker and block the other player from winning on their next move? If so, do it. If not, ask 3) Where can I place a checker that will help me win on my next turn?
• Tell the player to look again if he does not take the opportunity to block your win. I tell them I will win on the next turn if they don't block me and let them look over the board and find the win and block it. At least while they're learning ;)
• Pick pieces up by the hair (felt piece sticking out of the top) or by grasping the piece itself (it is smooth).
• Work on spatial relations, visual closure, figure ground, visual memory, visual discrimination, manual dexterity, planning, executive functioning skills, process skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 4 bars to build a playing board, 12 Gobblers (6 blue, 6 orange)

Ages 5+, 2 players

If you are interested in purchasing this game or just want more information, click on the image below.