The Infinite Board Game

Do any of you ever go to Half Price Books stores?  If not, check it out if you have the chance. As long as you are not looking for something specific, it is a great store to visit and just look around.  Before the holidays, I decided to look around my local store to see if anything caught my eye. In addition to books, you can often find puzzles, music, or games there.  Well, sitting on the shelf fully covered in its original plastic wrap was “The Infinite Board Game.” I am constantly trying to get my family to spend more time playing games (not video games) and less time on technology.  Although my shelves probably have too many games, this one intrigued me. This is what the box said: “Meet the amazing piecepack…Designed to be for board games what a deck of cards is for card games, the piecepack is a versatile, portable, complete gaming system that can be used to play hundreds and hundreds of board games.”   Inside the box are various pieces which can be used in a large variety of games. Also included was a guide to 50 different games using various combinations of the included pieces. Well, I was sold! (The price tag helped. You can really find great deals at this store.) My kids were a bit underwhelmed when they opened this gift, but I was not going to give up hope!

During school winter break, I decided to open the box and be optimistic.  I am happy to say that I have had a taste of initial success! The book of games is divided into sections–classic games, solo games, general games, and games of dexterity.  Considering that my pet peeve is hearing my teenagers complain of boredom, I decided to learn how to play one game and teach it to at least one of my children. I chose a game that looked interesting and did not require a long term commitment–a one player game called Piece Gaps that takes 5 minutes to play.  This is an easy game to learn but not as easy to win. I introduced my daughter to the game, and, despite some initially hemming and hawing, she played and enjoyed it. She also became very focused that first day and was determined to win a round. Fortunately for us all, she won a round right before dinner was ready.  Phew! Good timing! Seeing her learn a new game while at the same time doing something for fun which did not involve technology felt great! Although it is listed as a one person game, we have since that first day played a few rounds together as well. Playing as a team with your kid, even if for just a few minutes, feels fantastic!  I strongly recommend becoming teammates with your children when you have an opportunity to do so! (Once kids are teens, the relationship so often feels adversarial. Working together, even if just for a game, really helps bring you back together.) When I have a few random moments here or there, I will be playing as well. Next on the agenda is teaching the game to my son, or, if all goes as hoped, my daughter will teach him.  No excuses for boredom–there are 49 more games listed in the game book.

Addendum: Since this was originally posted, my daughter has since taught my son how to play. This was great for several reasons: My son learned a new game, and my kids were being nice to each other and working together!