We recently bought a 3-dimensional wordgame called UPWORDS. Costs about $16. Well worth it! I usually do not like word games, because you usually have to be fast. Very nerve wrecking!

But Upwords is different. When it is your turn, you can take your time. Every time we play it, it goes different with different words. It is very entertaining and a great Y2K game that you can play under candle light! Go look for it in your local toy store!

-- freddie (freddie@thefreeloader.com), July 09, 1999

Answers

Freddie, why can't I pull up OEX or SPX options prices on the website you published? Note, the e-mail address is real.

-- Pt (achillesg@hotmail.com), July 09, 1999.

Upwords is excellent. Scrabble always a winner.

My 4-year old uses the little Risk game "man-nies" (including cavalry and artillery) for placement on his block castles and forts (which we painstakingly construct and then demolish in seconds according to a careful ritual which he controls).

How about some other suggestions, especially games unknown to some of us?

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), July 09, 1999.

Ever play Tangos? It's simple, cheap, and definitely a brain- wracker...at least for me :-)

The Chinese legend says that a man named Tan dropped a porcelain tile which broke into seven pieces. As he tried to reconstruct the square, he began to make a variety of shapes, thus creating the Chinese "tangram puzzle." (A tangram consists of two large triangles, two small triangles, one medium triangle, one square and one parallelogram.)

Centuries later, Rex Games repackaged the tangram puzzle naming it TANGOES(R). A unique, compact box holds two identical sets of tangram pieces and a deck of 27 puzzle cards with 54 images and solutions.

http://www.rexgames.com/

-- Tim (pixmo@pixelquest.com), July 09, 1999.

We often have power outages. The bookcase next to the computer desk here is filled-to-overflowing with games of many stripes.

I just came from the bartering thread & would like to recommend "Made For Trade" A Game of Early American Life by Aristoplay. Sharpen up the skillset in a fun way.

"Masterpiece" was once recommended in a column about teaching kids about economics. I found it at the drugstore before the holidays when they have many board games on special. You play art dealers bidding on paintings, some of which turn out to be fakes. Great game.

The classic "Pit" Corner the Market Card Game. Can't say enough about this commodties game, should get extras for bug out kits. Small, inexpensive, fun, instructive. Ours is nearly worn out from scout campouts. By Parker Bros.

"Risk" for those with delusions of grandeur. By Parker Bros.

"Junta" the game of power, intrigue, money, & revolution--you get to be a So. American dictator; not for youngsters.

"Balderdash" great word bluffing game, hilarious.

"Pass the Pigs" a dice game with pigs; it's fun & portable.

Cribbage

"Rules According to Hoyle" should be on everyone's booklist. A paperback Hoyle & deck of cards might make nice, cheap gifts for the holidays.

-- flora (***@__._), July 09, 1999.

While we have a number of board games, we find playing bridge is very stimulating. All you need is two couples (or 4 persons) and a deck of cards.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), July 09, 1999.

I believe Monopoly was created at the height of the Depression. It's still a fave around here. We might enjoy the vicarious finacial fantasies in the future. My brother's first fortune was created by the skills he gained creaming us at that game!

-- flora (***@__._), July 09, 1999.

Depending on the crowd and your skill, strip poker can be interesting.

Funny thing now that I think about it. No one has ever asked to play.

-Greybear, must be my extraordinary skill, yup, that's what it is.

-- Got Cards?

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), July 10, 1999.

Some rascals your might have to keep active outdoors for a bit.

Hey Greybear,

--Got horseshoes for pitching?

-- flora (***@__._), July 10, 1999.

UNO! still under $5 at wa--m--t.

-- && (&&@&&.&), July 10, 1999.

Boccie Ball

-- BigDog (BigDog@duffer.com), July 11, 1999.

Croquet, anyone?

Mad Monk,

Do you play mah jong?

-- flora (***@__._), July 11, 1999.