J. Jefferson
United States
Columbus
Ohio
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I purchased this game for my 18-month-old daughter for Christmas. I knew I was pushing it a bit, as the listed minimum age is 3, but hey, I also tried put her on skis this winter, and put her on a sled last winter--so this is a relatively minor entry in the list of activities I try to get her to do too soon.
The first few plays went great. My daughter got it, she laughed and threw the monsters down, and figured out that she was supposed to put the furniture in her room. But my wife and I quickly realized something. Our 18-month-old just can't play at the high level of competition to which we are accustomed. Thus, this competitive variant. For the adults, the game is competitive, but for the kids playing it remains a cooperative and friendly game. I'd recommend against playing the variant with kids who are old enough to recognize that the adults are competing, and that they are controlling the game--you know, because of the psychological damage.
Goal: As in the original version, the adults' goal is to fill in all the furniture spots in their room.
How it works: Unlike the normal game, the kid or kids playing draw every piece from the bag. We play with just our one kid, so she draws every piece. If there are multiple kids, they take turns.
Each turn, the kid draws one piece from the bag. As in the original game, if it is a monster, they throw it down and say "Go Away Monster!" If it is a piece of furniture, they put it in their room. If it is a piece of furniture that they already have in their room, the competition begins.
If the child draws an item from the bag that they already have, the adults compete to get that item. The only rule is that they can't just take it physically. (This is the "no stealing candy from a baby" rule.) Instead, adults must convince, cajole, or straight up beg the kid to give them that piece.
Winning: The kid will always fill their room first, and thus will win. The adult winner, both of the game and of the child's love, is the one to complete their room first.
Warning and Disclaimer: This variant may reveal unpleasant truths to you, truths that, in retrospect should have been obvious to me. I am not responsible for any ensuing marital or familial discord. Play at your own risk.
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