Not a Dalmation in Sight (Spotty Dogs)

Member Name: cmh4135

Product:	Spotty Dogs
Date:	01/05/09 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple game which has many educational benefits

Disadvantages: You might be asked to play A LOT!

Spotty Dogs is one of those games that could easily be overlooked but, in fact, offers so much more than the box would suggest.

Marketed as a counting game suitable for children from 3-6 years old this game is simplicity itself and my son, at 2 was happily playing it in full. The game comprises a number of double-sided cards and a spinner to be used in place of a dice. On one side of each card will be a picture of a dog with a number of spots on his coat and on the reverse a picture of a dog basket with a number of bones from 1-3 in it (or none at all). The aim of the game is simple, to be the person with the most bones at the end of the game.

To start the game all cards are placed, dog side up, on the floor or table. On a player's go the player must spin the spinner and then select a dog with the same number of spots on its back as is indicated by the spinner. If there is no dog with a corresponding number of spots play passes to the next player. At the end of the game you simply add up the total number of bones that have been collected by each player. A game will generally last about 10 minutes with 2 players.

At its most basic the game is very good for teaching children numbers (as indicated on the spinner) and counting (both spots on the dogs and bones in the baskets). The way the game is set up means that you can play with a child who can count to 6 but not necessarily recognise numbers on the spinner. Younger children might also have difficulty counting the total number of bones collected (in a 2 player game each player will generally get in excess of 15 bones) but this shouldn't spoil the enjoyment as you can teach the child as you count.

The game play also teaches children other skills such as turn taking, accepting disappointment when you have to miss a go or when there are no bones in the basket and observational skills. The observational skills would be enhanced if they game didn't always use the same "breed" of dog to represent a particular number of spots. My son was, after just a few goes, able to go straight to a particular dog and I suspect that he wasn't counting but had remembered the picture that corresponded to the number. Given he could count proficiently this wasn't an issue but it could be for some.

The cards are made of sturdy cardboard and despite a very bashed box on the second-hand version that we have, the game looks as good as new. The spinner is easy for young children to use and it's base is large enough that you don't end up stopping the spinner with your fingers.

I've been surprised by the amount of enjoyment that is had when playing this game and would heartily recommend it to others. It's rare to find such a fun, yet simple and educational game!

Summary: So much more than first appears