Dexterity games are those which challenge players on a physically as well as mentally. Games like Operation and Don't Break the Ice are good examples of well-known dexterity games, although they didn't make my list of the very best.
1. Crokinole
Photo couretesy of Carl and Stan Hilinski
For 2 players, ages 8 and up. Public domain.
A tabletop game that combines elements of Shuffleboard and Curling, Crokinole is an addictive indulgence. Players flick wooden discs with their fingers, trying to get as close to the center of the board as possible while preventing their opponent from doing the same.
A tabletop game that combines elements of Shuffleboard and Curling, Crokinole is an addictive indulgence. Players flick wooden discs with their fingers, trying to get as close to the center of the board as possible while preventing their opponent from doing the same.
2. Villa Paletti
For 2 to 4 players, ages 6 and up. Designed by Bill Payne, published by University Games and Zoch Verlag.One fan of dexterity games says, "Villa Paletti is just brilliant... a nice mix of strategy and dexterity." In 2002, Villa Paletti became the first dexterity game to win the prestigous Spiel des Jahres (Germany's Family Game of the Year).
3. Balancing Aliens
For 2 to 4 players, ages 7 and up. Designed by Dale Walton, published by Out of the Box Publishing and Pin International.This game, which features a wobbly "spaceship" and 10 bowling-pin shaped "aliens," challenges players with two sets of rules. In "Balancing Aliens," the alien spaceship has developed a wobble and the aliens must go out to fix it. Your goal is to not be the one to topple the aliens.
4. Jenga / Jenga Xtreme
For 2 to 8 players, ages 8 and up. Published by Milton Bradley / Hasbro.The game starts with a stack of wooden blocks, and players take turns removing a block and then setting it on top of the pile. The player who causes the pile to collapse loses. A Truth or Dare edition of Jenga also is available.
5. Twister
For 2 to 4 players, ages 6 and up. Designed by Reyn Guyer, published by Milton Bradley / Hasbro.Perhaps the ultimate dexterity game, Twister forces players to stretch their bodies into extremely awkward positions. Can you put your right foot on blue and your left hand on yellow? What if your left foot has to move to green? Good luck!
