Qwirkle

Qwirkle - Match by color and shape, use strategy to earn points

The object of Qwirkle is to match colors and shapes to build patterns, vertically and horizontally. Patterns can be all the same shape (see horizontal line of circles below) or all the same color (see vertical line of blue shapes below). There are six different shapes, and if playing by color, only one of each shape can be added to that particular line. Play the 6th shape in a row of different shapes and you score a Qwirkle! New blocks added, or new patterns started, must be connected to the existing puzzle. Think strategically to earn the most points. 

Scoring - Players will get one point for each piece in the line where they played. For instance, if there are already three circles in a row and you add two more to it, you will get five points. If a piece is played in such a way that it works in two directions, you get points for both ways. If you play the sixth piece in a line of shapes by color, you win a Qwirkle, which is worth an extra six points. If you play your last piece at the end of the game, ending the game, that is worth an additional six points.

Do you like Qwirkle so much that you want to take it with you wherever you go? Check out the portable Travel Qwirkle, complete with carrying bag and mini tiles.

Object:

Have the most points after all the tiles have been played.

Set up:

Put all the tiles in the bag. Without looking, each player will put their hand in and pull out six tiles. Stand your tiles on the table in front of you, facing you, so that other players cannot see the pictures on your tiles. The person who has the most tiles of the same attribute will place those tiles in the middle of the table to start the game. For instance I have two circles, but someone else has three stars. The three starts will start the game.

Play:

Players take turns playing. On a turn you may do one of three things:

1. Add one tile to the grid and then draw a tile to bring your hand up to six.
2. Add two or more tiles to the grid. All tiles played from your hand must share one attribute, either color or shape. Your tiles must be played in the same line, although they do not have to touch each other. For instance in the image above, you could play the yellow star and the red star on the row of stars. Draw tiles to bring your hand back up to six.
3. Trade some or all of your tiles for different tiles. You do not get to play on a turn when you exchange tiles. If you cannot play any tiles on your turn, you must exchange some or all of your tiles.

Strategic thinking will help you play tiles on different lines that intersect and make Qwirkles to earn more points. Points are added after each turn and when the tiles have all been played, the one with the most points wins.

Try this:

• Use as a sorting activity. Sort in piles, or line up on table top, tiles by color and/or shape.
• Skip the game. Play with the tiles face up and make a grid of six different Qwirkles (one for each color)
• Play with the tiles all face up and build a game grid. Explain as you go to teach the rules. Start a row or column with 2 or 3 tiles and take turns placing one tile at a time to make sure the individual understands.
• Stack all tiles of one color or one shape.
• Skip the game. Build a simple grid on the tabletop. Make an error and see if the individual can find it and correct it. 
• Use the tiles and make a symmetrical design.
• Start a sequence by shape, such as star/circle, or star/circle/square. Ask the individual to continue the sequence, placing the tiles in a long line. 
• Scatter the tiles randomly, face-up. Call out a color or a shape and ask the individual to find all the tiles with that attribute.
• Work on visual discrimination, spatial relations, visual closure, figure ground, shape recognition, color recognition, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, flexible thinking, strategy, sequencing, socialization skills, process skills, executive functioning skills, play exploration and participation

In the box: 108 tiles (6 shapes, 6 colors), cloth drawstring bag
Ages 6+, 2-4 players

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