Tsuro may just be a perfect game for the classroom. The game itself is beautiful. It is so easy to teach and learn. It sets up in seconds. The components are gorgeous and durable. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.
Components: The pieces of Tsuro are quite durable. The dragon pawns appear to be made of stone, but are actually made of high quality plastic complete with intricate engravings of dragons. The tiles are thick cardboard of very nice quality, with wonderful backgrounds, and clear paths. The pieces are few in number. That means there is a low risk of losing pieces of the game. The game board itself is gorgeous! The artwork on the box and on the instructional manual are fantastic!
Accessibility: The game literally sets up in seconds. Unfold the board, pick and place your dragon, shuffle the tiles, and play. The game is just as quick to clean up. The game allows up to 8 players, though it optimally plays with 4-6. Just think, with just a few copies of this game, you can have your entire class engaged. The age range is 8 years and up, but I've played it with my 5 year old with no problem.
Duration of Game Play: The games can go fairly quickly depending on if the players are ready to place their tiles. Most games last only 10-15 minutes. That is wonderful because your students can get in several matches in a short amount of time.
Educational Value: Problem solving reigns supreme in this game. In the beginning of the game, most of the dragons are far enough apart, but as the game progresses, space gets tight. You may have your strategy well thought out, but then an opponent plays a tile that moves your dragon, too. Now you have to think fast and problem solve! It's wonderful! Surprise Benefit: Tsuro is a great game for students who have attention issues, or for those students who have a hard time tracking (reading lines of sentences across a page). Following the correct paths can take a bit of concentration and attention. This game will have those children practicing tracking and attending skills over and over again.
Replay Value: High replay value. With a mixture of tiles every game, you'll rarely, if ever, get the exact same game twice.
Price: Tsuro is reasonably priced at $23-$28 depending on where you buy it. Since Tsuro services up to 8 players, it roughly works out at $3.00 per player. Not too shabby.
I highly recommend that you purchase your games at your local friendly game store. They may not have Amazon beat on price, but the face-to-face service is hard to ignore. Plus, they may even let you demo the game! You can't get that at Amazon!
Bonus: Tsuro has another game called Tsuro of the Seas. Similar concept to the original, and equally as beautiful!
I am certain that you will enjoy Tsuro. Once you play it I know that a copy or two will find a place in your gaming library at home or at school.
Until next game,
Play!
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