Blue Orange™ Brix™ Game

As a child, I was strangely obsessed with the classic Connect 4 game. I wanted to play with my sisters at least several times a day. I couldn't form the concept then, but I loved the underlying strategic nature behind the simplicity of connecting four colored pieces in a row. I loved trying to predict what the other player would do, setting her up to do what I wanted her to do (usually by baiting her for a quick win), and then implementing my strategy for the win. Brix ramps up and amplifies the strategy while adding two dimensions to connecting pieces in a row.    First, instead of just colors, you now have colors or shapes to connect. Win by aligning four of your color or four of your shape. I love this dimension for my kids. It is really easy to set your brain to connect several of the same shape. It's even easier to set your brain to connect four of the same color. But to jump back and forth is a mental exercise (meant literally in that you exercise your brain to jump between contexts) that is so good for a child. I picture this exact strength as adults trying to solve a business problem thinking "outside the box." They're not locked into just a color or just a shape. They are able to jump between situations or applications.    Second, each piece you play also has an attached brick of your opponent's color and shape! So you need to be particularly aware of the entire landscape or you could easily help your opponent to win. This dimension is fantastic for kids in looking through choices to unintended consequences. We try to teach our kids this principle constantly ("There are consequences to every choice you make whether you realize it now or not!"). This game is a very simplified method to teach the basic concept that can hopefully plant that seed in their brains.     The pieces themselves are really solid and brightly colored. The markings are indented (not just painted on a flat surface). They're surprising fun to handle and play with, and we've even pulled the game out just to play with them as blocks. Brix is a very quick game (8-10 minutes per game) that you can quickly pull out, play, and have cleaned up in no time at all. It's a great "filler" game for those gaps between school and dinner or clean-up and bed time. I give Brix a 7 for its quick, fun, mentally-challenging gameplay.