Jenga > Reviews (41)

Jenga.

Jenga is a brilliant game that combines patience and fine manual dexterity. It is recommended that this game is suitable for those over the age of five. It can be found on line from £9 upwards.

What is Jenga?

A similar game is reported to have been played for years by the Swahili in Africa where blocks of wood are placed together building a tower like structure. Pieces of wood are gingerly removed from the stable structure then placed on the top building it higher but leaving the structure weakened and prone to tumbling. The aim of the game is to remove as many pieces as is possible until someone takes a turn and the structure crumbles and collapses.

So what is in the box?

There are fifty four pieces of oblong wooden blocks that have the word Jenga written on one side of the block. The blocks measure approximately two inches long by just less than one inch square.

How do you play the game?

Initially you build the tower by making sure that the tower is built on a flat surface placing three blocks that forms the base. The next layer is built up on top of the base layer with three blocks alternating so you have one layer with the long side towards you then the next layer with the smaller side facing you as you build up the tower.
Once the tower has been built each player must remove one of the blocks and place it on the top waiting to take their turn after each player. Eventually the tower becomes unstable due to the lack of support of the structure and as it gets higher it begins to wobble as each new block is added to the top. The player has to have nerves of steal and a very steady hand to place their piece on the top. Eventually the tower becomes so unstable that the merest touch causes the tower come crashing down. We have played this game with a couple of handicaps added to make it more fun for example only using your left hand. It’s also quite fun playing the game after a few drinks as your senses are not quite up to building with fine precision required to build the tower under the influence.

And finally!

This game has been around for as long as I can remember and not only was it a good game when I was a child my daughter and grand children play this today and no doubt their children will do too. A brilliant way of keeping the kids entertained on a wet or cold afternoon. It teaches fine dexterity, communication skills, observational skills, patience waiting for a turn and sharing. The tension, concentration and breath holding can be quite nerve wracking trying not to knock the tower over when it is your turn. I would recommend this game for children and adults alike as it is very durable and lasts for years it is also very good value for money being reasonably priced and the longevity of the game amusing all that play with it.

There are XX large Jenga sized games that can be played in the garden which are also good fun and these can be had for around £27-£30 pound.