Cobra Paws

 

Cobra Paw - Ninja like know how steals the game.

As I looked at the box and the pieces for Cobra Paw, I thought it might be a strategy game. But nope it's a one-note, matching game. 

There are 2 large dice and 21 pieces that resemble dominoes, called stones, with symbols on one side and solid black on the other side. There are 6 symbols total, and each die has one of each symbol per side. The dice are bigger than standard dice, measuring 1" square. Each stone has two symbols on it (see image below).

Object:

Be the first person to claim six stones.

Set up:

Place all the stones, symbols side up, in the middle of the playing area, within reach of all players. The person with the smallest paws (hands) goes first, and is given the dice.

Play:

The player throws the dice in the middle where all players can see them. All players look at the two symbols that show on the top of the dice. Players quickly scan the stones to find the one matching stone with those two symbols. The person who finds it first claims it and is then the next one to throw the dice. If ever the stone with the two symbols that are thrown has already been claimed by someone, you can take it from them if you spot it first. Grab it and put it with the stones you are collecting. Play until someone has six stones and wins the game.

Try this:

• Cup the hand and shake both dice together. If the individual has difficulty cupping the hand, place a round object, like a ball, in the palm. Ask the individual to cup the ball, then remove the ball and add the dice.
• Place one cupped hand on top of the other, shaking the dice inside. 
  
• Skip the game. Place one stone in front of the player. Place one die in the player's palm. Ask the individual to bring it to the fingertips, with that hand only, and then turn it until they find one of the symbols. Set the die down with the symbol facing up and then repeat with the other die to match the second symbol. Place a new stone in front of the player and repeat.
  
• Skip the game. Start with a double (same symbol on both sides) turned vertically on the table in front of you. Then start adding stones horizontally to either side, matching the symbol like you would in dominoes. Can you figure out how to use all the stones?
  
• Put the game away by stacking the stones before you place them in the box. Using one hand only, place one stone on top of another. Pick up the pile of two stones and place them on top of another stone. Now pick up the pile of three stones and repeat. How many stones can you stack without dropping any? Put them in the box by stacks.
  
• Work on visual discrimination, spatial relations, in-hand manipulation, executive functioning skills, palmar arch development, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation, socialization skills
  

In the box: 21 dominoes and 2 dice