Do the following family game night criteria sound familiar?
- A game the whole family can enjoy.
- A game that works the brain but is not so difficult the adults will always win.
- A game that does not require reading or math skills so younger kids are not at a disadvantage.
- A game that is flexible enough to be played by groups, but works equally well as solitaire.
I have the solution to your dilemma! A fun new family card game: Zangle!
(Note: Thanks to Set Enterprises for sending us a review copy of the game. All opinions are my own, of course. This post contains affiliate links.)
About Zangle! Card Game
Zangle! is a card game by the makers of Set and Quiddler, both of which I have previously featured as games of the month.
Zangle! consists of a deck of 120 cards, each displaying a shape made of 1-5 triangles (there are also "Z" cards with no triangles). Game play begins with the dealer placing a set of four cards and a stack in the center of the table and then dealing 10 cards to each player. Players then attempt to become the first person to get rid of all their cards by making "Zangles." A Zangle is 2 or more cards that when joined together make the shape on another card. Taking turns, players make Zangles using their own cards and the center cards.
What is a Zangle, you ask? Here is an example:
As you can see in the above photo, if I rotate and connect the triangles on the first two red cards, I can create the yellow shape. If I rotate and connect three bottom cards I can form the green shape.
Before playing, I recommend taking ten minutes for everyone to practice making Zangles It's easy once you get the hang of it.
As a parent with two boys who don't always get along during family game night I appreciate that the creators of Zangle! came up with three different ways to play the game. Turn-Style is great for the whole family. Speedster challenges players to think fast, although since I have a son who is working on his sportsmanship skills we haven't played that version yet. Solitaire offers a way for kids to play by themselves (great for parents who need a moment to catch their breath).
Why You Should Play Zangle!
Number one is, of course, because it is fun! Upon opening the deck I actually thought my youngest would not like Zangle! because he refuses shape games like tangrams, and the card graphics are reminiscent of such games. However, much to my delight he loved Zangle! and insisted we play it again and again. Score!
Zangle! is terrific for building visual and spatial perception skills! These skills are crucial building blocks for math and literacy success.
Set Enterprises, the manufacturer, recommends Zangle! for ages 6 and up. Regular readers of my Game of the Month feature know that I usually suggest that manufacturer recommendations are conservative. Certainly 5 year olds can play, especially if they play with patient adults, since there is no reading or math requirement.
I hope you get a chance to play this fun family card game!
Want to see more? Here's a video explaining the game.
More card games we love:
Lj says
How to you play the “ Z” card in Zangle? That was not explained in the video.
Erica says
The Z is a wild card that you can add on to any Zangle. It helps you get rid of your cards faster.
Lj says
So you have to make a zangle to get rid of it? Or can you use it as a substitute card to make a zangle?
Erica says
Yes, you have to make a Zangle. There are instructions included with the deck. If you want to read them ahead of time, you can download the full instructions online here: https://www.setgame.com/file/zangle-english I hope that helps.
Lily says
heh. my son loves this game and me too
larina says
I don't think those two red cards in your photo make a Zangle. On the card you used for the finished product, there's a red bowtie on there - you didn't have a red bowtie.
mdaberk says
Larina, you are correct. No bow tie. so that is NOT a zangle.
Erica says
I've looked at it a million times since the original comment and I see the two red red shapes when rotated and put together make the yellow shape. The single diamond is at the bottom and the two peak shape is sideways. You don't need a bow tie.