My 3 year old son got this for Christmas from us last year and LOVES playing it. We could easily play this game every day and not tire of it. The best part is that it is fun for both adults and kids to play together. You don't feel as though you have to 'play down' to the kids. You will actually find yourself getting into it as much as they do.

We bought this game about a year ago for our young 4 year old. We started playing with one adult on "his team" to help him. He caught on pretty quickly and now, almost 5, plays on his own. On a rare occassion, he puts a chip in a place that isn't very strategic, and I will just ask "is that where you want to put that?". This is a great game for kids to start learning strategy. He still gets really excited when he gets a dragon or unicorn card and plays it almost immediately, instead of saving it for when he really needs it. This is definately his favorite game and he has won on numerous occassions against me, my husband and his 13 year old brother!

Playing structured games is a good way for a child to learn many skills, including counting, matching and the beginnings of strategic thought. This game is excellent because it can immediately be played even by a two-year-old, although not with perfect strategy. The game, in other words, allows for some growth of the player without growing old. Some of the things a young player will gradually learn to incorporate:

- placing a token for an animal card on the best of two squares available
(early on, a new player will naturally just pick the first one found)
- using the free squares in advance
- saving "power" cards (dragon and unicorn) for when needed / most useful
- blocking opponents' best moves

Just learning to play a turn-based game is a big milestone for a little one. This game is as good as it gets for sustaining the child's interest, reinforcing many intellectual skills, and growing with the child. You can't go wrong for the price. See my other reviews and you will realize that I don't give praise lightly! :)

It's true! My 3 year old can actually play this game with us. It took a few rounds but now he's a pro and it's an enjoyable experience to sit down with him on game night. The game is very quick and very easy. Essentially it's a matching game with a little bit of strategy thrown in to spice things up.

I love this game. I ask the kids to play with me sometimes b/c of all the kid games we have this is the one I enjoy best. They have started to learn strategy & planning ahead while we play.