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If there is one thing our boys love to play with and are amazed with, it’s magnets. So, when you combine a game with magnets, it just doesn’t get any better than that. Awhile ago, we received the game Jishaku to review. It’s the game of magnetic power and both Todd and our boys love it.
Description:
Jishaku is a patent pending, portable strategy game like chess or checkers that can be played anywhere in the kitchen or in the beach. Unlike chess, there is an element of surprise when the magnets jump out of position, without warning. There is a surprise, then laughs, follow as two or more players try to beat force fields with strategic thinking plus careful and precise handling of the game’s magnetic stones. The unpredictability of Jishaku turns any get together into a party.
Jishaku, Japanese for magnet, uses finely polished hematite magnets for playing pieces. There are several variations of the game but the most popular is “i’m out”. While alternating turns with your opponents, the goal of the game is to place magnets onto the game base without letting any magnets connect. If any magnets connect on your turn, you must collect those magnets and add them to your pile. The first person to run out of magnets wins, but there is a twist. All magnets have north and south poles. Jishaku magnets do too. They just aren’t marked. So as you carefully place your magnet in a hole you can feel the tug of magnets all around the board.
Skilled players learn to use magnetic force in their favor repelling the magnets closest to them without forcing them into other magnets. At least that’s the goal but the results can be quite surprising. The record for the most connecting magnets on a turn is twelve and in “i’m out” that’s not a good thing. Find whether you can use magnetic force to outwit your opponent.
As you can see from the description, it is all about strategy. The game is recommended for ages 8 and up, but our 7 year old probably loves it more than anyone in our house.
If your children love strategy games, Jishaku will be one like they’ve never played before.
Why kids love Jishaku: Magnets + Strategy = equals loads of fun. The magnets are so powerful that you really have to think about your next move. And when they beat the adult they are playing, well, could life get any better?
Why adults love Jishaku: This game definitely isn’t just for kids. It’s something you can play with your kids and both get enjoyment out of. Most kids are amazed with magnets. We love the fact that this game engages them and gets them thinking. It combines the thrill of magnets, with getting the juices flowing in those heads of theirs.
Jishaku definitely has a permanent place in our game closet. This would make a great gift!
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