Leaning Tower

Leaning Tower -Pull out a block without toppling the tower.

I have a game similar to Leaning Tower that I only bring out around Easter because, instead of the colored wooden blocks, it has colorful Easter bunnies. The kids always liked it, so I was happy to find this "neutral" version. 

The game includes eight donut-shaped rings, 36 blocks and 1 large die, all made out of wood. The die is extra large, 1 1/8" square, with a different color on each side. You can see the scale of the pieces and the die in the image above.

Some may find this game equally difficult to set up and play.

Object:
This game has a loser instead of a winner. Don't be the one who pulls the block that makes the tower fall.

Set up:
Set up as in the image above, repeatedly layering one ring then six evenly spaced blocks until all the pieces have been used.

Play:
Players take turns. Throw the die and this will indicate which color you will pull on your turn. Pull a block of that color from anywhere on the tower without making it fall. Repeat this until the tower falls.

Try this:

• Forget the die and just pull a block that you feel will keep the tower standing. Let skill and not the die dictate who will lose.
• Throw the die and then say the color to reinforce colors, or skip the die and call the color the other player must remove or let the other player call their own color and remove that piece.
• Allow players to move the blocks on their turn. For instance, there may be three blocks left on a level and pulling one out will definitely leave the tower unbalanced and make it fall. Allow the player to carefully slide one of the blocks to the other side of the ring so that the tower will not fall. However, if the tower falls while they are moving things around, they lose anyway.
• Change the object of the game. Collect the most rings and win the game. Last person to take off a block on a level gets the ring. Don't put a ring at the very top when you set up.
• Cup one or two hands and roll the die before throwing. If the individual has difficulty cupping the hand, place a ball in the palm and ask the player to curl their fingers around it. Then remove the ball and replace it with the die. Keep the hand(s) in that position a minute while rolling and before throwing the die. 
• Work on visual discrimination, color identification, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, graded movements, palmar arch development, judgment and decision making, process skills, socialization skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: 8 rings, 1 large die, 36 blocks

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