Delmarva Youth Magazine
Dr. Harlan Eagle
November 2004
USA

Best for Families: Apples to Apples

Ask a group of 9-12 year olds what they want to play, and typically, video games top their list. But our group of 9-12 year olds actually put their electronic handheld toys down and clamored to play a simple card game called Apples to Apples. This is a game that SAT planners would actually approve of.

There are three separate sets of play: Junior (7+), Junior (9+), and Standard (12+). Interestingly, all three games play the same. One player serves as the Judge who presents a word to the group. The rest of the players seek to best match that word with a phrase or concept on a card in their hands. For example: if the Judges card reads Jolly, players might bid with words as diverse as cheerful, monsters, Christmas, and getting mail. It is up to the Judge to select which one best matches.

One of the greatest benefits of the game is that parents and kids can play together, each at their own level. Additionally, the game requires abstract reasoning which allows everyone to stretch his critical thinking skills. The positive social interaction of this game – needing to communicate with parents and siblings to win – minimizes rivalry and increases fun.

Back to Apples to Apples Junior Reviews page