Description
The die rolls, the sand timer is flipped, and the table falls silent except for the rustle of tiles. In Ubongo each player gets a puzzle card and a set of twelve tiles. The task is simple: place the chosen tiles so that they cover the light area on the card exactly. Everyone solves at the same time, so every second counts.
How to play Ubongo
At the start of each round, everyone takes a new puzzle card. The active player rolls the die, and the symbol on it shows which tiles you may use. You may rotate the tiles and flip them over, but they must not stick out over the edge of the area. The first player to cover the area calls out “Ubongo!” and takes the blue sapphire from the round track plus a random gem from the bag. The second fastest gets the brown amber and a random gem, while the third and fourth get just a random gem. Anyone who doesn't finish before the timer runs out gets nothing.
After nine rounds you add up the value of your gems: a ruby is worth 4 points, a sapphire 3, an emerald 2 and an amber 1. The player with the most points wins.
Why you'll love it
- Everyone plays at the same time, so nobody waits for their turn.
- The cards are double-sided: easier puzzles with three tiles and harder ones with four, so the game grows with you.
- If nobody solves their puzzle, a second-chance round follows – you flip the sand timer once more.
- You can also play on your own: solve as many puzzles as you can in five, ten or twenty minutes and chase your personal best.
Who is Ubongo for
The game is for one to four players aged 8 and up, and a game takes about 25 minutes. Players like it best with four. Ubongo is an easy game that you can explain quickly, so it suits families and anyone who enjoys spatial puzzles. As many as 648 different puzzles make sure no two games are the same.
What you might not like
The game runs under the pressure of the sand timer, so it may not be the best fit for those who prefer calm games with more time to think.
What's in the box
- 4 sets of 12 tiles
- 54 puzzle cards (648 different puzzles)
- 1 die
- 1 sand timer
- 1 cloth bag
- 1 round track
- 58 gems: 19 sapphires, 19 ambers, 10 rubies and 10 emeralds
