First Friday Game Night

September 2 - Classic Games 

6pm - 8pm

by Game Geek Matt

I’d say that these games are older than dirt, but dirt is really, really old.  This week we are focusing on classic games, specifically classic European games. 

The first game is Pick-Up Sticks.  This game was originally known as Zitterwackel, but changed in the 19/20th century to Mikado.  When it came from Hungary to the United states in the 1930’s its name was changed to Pick-Up Sticks, and that’s what we’ve called it ever since.  You drop a pile of sticks and then try to take sticks out without moving any of the rest of the pile.  Good for young and old alike, kids as young as 4 wll enjoy this one.

The next game is Checkers.  Checkers is descended from Draughts, which is played on a 10x10 board, which in turn is descended from Alquerque.  Modern Checkers is a strategy game played on an 8x8 board.  With pieces moved diagonally forwards in an attempt to jump all of your opponent’s pieces.  Also good for young and old alike, children younger than 5 or 6 may not appreciate the strategy involved, so better for slightly older kids.

The final game of the month is, you guessed it, Chess.  Chess as we know it was developed around the 15th century, but its descendants span all the way back to the 6th.  What is there to be said about this game of nobles and scholars, amateurs and professionals, culture and history, this game of kings, that has not already been said.  The complex moves and game play are best suited for game players 8 and up.

So if you’re in for a pile of oldies but goodies, come to the Classic Games game night here at Over the Rainbow Toys, on Friday, September 2 from 6-8.  And remember, all games are 10% off during Game Night!