Parenting in Fluxx

There are so many different card games. Some use standard decks - like Gin Rummy, Spades or even Poker. Other use specialized decks - like Old Maid. Today I'm going to describe one of our favorite specialized deck games.

Let me start by stating - I think it takes a special personality to like card games. I've got family members who aren't big game players - but they will tolerate board games. But try to get them to sit down for a game of cards - they would prefer to gnaw their hands off.

If you have someone in your family who is anti-card games - then I suggest you try a game of Fluxx. Fluxx is a series that comes with all different themes to play around. In our game closet we have the following versions of the game:

• Original
• Star
• Pirate
• Zombie
• Family
• Oz
• Cthulhu
• Monty Python

So you may be able to figure out that we kind of like the game mechanics of Fluxx.

So how does it work? Well, to take a quote from the Looney Labs site:

It all begins with one basic rule: Draw one card, Play one card. You start with a hand of three cards... add the card you drew to your hand, and then choose one card to play, following the directions written on your chosen card. As cards are drawn and played from the deck, the rules of the game change from how many cards are drawn, played or even how many cards you can hold at the end of your turn.

While the cards will vary and require different interactions of the player the game play is basically the same for each version of the game. In that you do whatever is on the card and you try to reach a goal.

The official site states that the minimum age for game play is 8 for most the version - Family Fluxx does say it would work for 6 years olds. Our philosophy at our house - is if your gamers can read then they can play.

A rudimentary reading level will work - since the Goal and Keeper (and Creeper) cards have wonderful illustrations and the Rule and Action cards have more text - but it just creates a great opportunity to flex those reading skills.

So yes, it is a game which requires you to collect a type of 'set' to win - so it is similar to non stylized card games in that way. But it also has great interaction. With Pirate Fluxx you can end up laughing hysterically as everyone takes turns Talking Like a Pirate. Or to draw extra cards in Oz Fluxx you find grown men standing around the table so they are ready to click their heels 3 times.

Fluxx encourages reading for comprehension and strategy development. Which are two great skills to develop for little ones.  This really is a game that can be enjoyed by game lovers of all ages.   This past weekend our eldest played it with her Dad, Uncle and Bedstafar. Three grown-a$$ men working the magic of Oz Fluxx with a little girl. It was fantastic to watch.

So if you are looking for a dynamic card game that works for everyone in the family - go to your local game store (or even Target) and buy a deck of Fluxx. Seriously -- you'll enjoy it.