This award-winning Danish game is my family’s new obsession

This Christmas was the year my husband and I finally caved to our 9-year-old son’s request for a video game console, which also meant that my search for analog-friendly buffer gifts had to be on point. Now that my youngest is 6, board games have mercifully progressed beyond Candy Land but still require a level of mental aptitude, time, and patience I don’t always have. When I came across Klask ($69.99), an award-winning Danish game that combines elements of tabletop foosball and air hockey, I was immediately sold. Even if my kids hate this I thought, I’ll still want to play. 

Related The 20 best travel games that won’t drive parents (or fellow travelers) crazy

How the game of Klask works

Unlike air hockey, Klask doesn’t require an electrical hook up. Instead, each player uses magnetic strikers to try and push the orange ball into their opponent’s goal and keep it there (if the ball bounces right out, the game keeps going). To keep things interesting, there are several ways to score: 

• If two (or three) white magnets stick to your opponent’s striker
• If your opponent completely loses control of their striker (meaning they can’t reel it back in by using the steering magnet)
• If your opponent accidentally moves their striker into their own goal (this is surprisingly easy to do when you’re moving quickly)

The first person to score six goals wins! 

Related 25 board and card games for the ultimate family game night

What sets Klask apart

Created by a Danish carpenter, Klask’s smart and aesthetic design is like a breath of fresh air. Even when it’s left out on my table, my brain doesn’t register it as clutter in the same way it would for a game like Monopoly. 

Everything from the built-in scoreboard to the time it takes to play (about 10 minutes) is efficient and uncomplicated. There’s even a small pouch to corral the magnetic strikers, white magnets, scoring chips, and ball.

This winter, especially when it rains, it’s helped to scratch my kids’ movement itch. At the same time, I also appreciate that it’s equally entertaining for adults, which is a tricky balance to find. My husband and I even play 1:1 sometimes — apparently, the game can be found in Danish bars and there have even been worldwide Klask competitions. The fact that it involves a certain level of strategy and skill-building inspires us all to keep playing and improving.

It’s easy to schlep, set up, and tuck back away when we’re finished playing. We even brought it to my parents’ house over the holiday break to play with cousins. Needless to say, it was a hit. 

Related Are video games bad for kids? Here’s what parents should know

What to know before you buy Klask

The game is geared toward kids who are 9 years old and older, probably because of the fine motor skills required, but my 6-year-old can manage.

We’re notorious for losing game board pieces (don’t even get me started on jigsaw puzzles), so I was worried that we’d lose the ball or magnetic pieces within the first couple of weeks, but I discovered you can buy a Klask spare parts set on Amazon!

There are two-player and four-player versions, but we opted for the two-player version since it’s more compact. Plus, we wanted the boys to be able to keep each other entertained when we can’t play.

Where to buy Klask

If you’re looking to add some novelty to game nights or rainy weekends, I highly recommend giving Klask a try! You can grab it directly from the Klask website or from Amazon. Held og lykke (good luck)!

source https://www.mother.ly/entertainment/klask-game-review/