Card, Dice & Marble Games

There's a world of card and dice games for children and families to enjoy. Here's our current selection of some of the most fun, inventive and interesting ones, with details of where to get the featured items for everyday use or as presents for special occasions. As with all pages of our site the content on this one will be refreshed & amended as inspiringyourkids.com develops and grows.

Bezique

Played with a specialist 64 card pack (featuring 2 copies of the A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8 & 7 of each of the four suits), Bezique originated in France and went on to gain widespread popularity, counting Winston Churchill amongst its fans for whom it was his favourite card game. This game for two players is one for older children who enjoy playing cards and taking on challenging games. Our featured set which comes with an instruction booklet, scoring markers and of course the specialist pack is available from Games On Board

Hardwood Cribbage Board

For kids of 8 and upwards cribbage provides that blend of skill and luck that makes playing it a joy with both peers and adults whether they are novices or seasonal players. Our featured set of this almost 400 year old game includes both pegs and a pack of cards used in play as well as a high quality board, which is hinged, making both home and travel use equally possible. available from Amazon

Perudo

Perudo is an exciting mixture of guesswork, bluff and luck that is the modern version of the South American game of liar's dice which dates back to the Incas. Two or more players each conceal in cups the value of five dice and seek to outwit and mislead their opponents in a series of rounds, during which die are forfeited until the winning player is the only one left in possession of at least one dice. Available from Amazon

Dice Game Compendium

Featuring a book providing the rules to over forty dice games, this really is the ultimate compendium for children who enjoy the thrills and surprises that come with using either spot or poker dice set of both of which are included here along with the dice shaker and counters required by various of the games covered. A great item for using when travelling or at home. Available from Amazon

Shut The Box

Originally from the Channel Islands this endlessly entertaining game involves two dice, any number of players and a 'box', which is a playing area edged on one side by numbers one to nine. Players divide the score of dice throws to eliminate these numbers from the game and continue to do so until their throw count can't be divided amongst the remaining numbers. The winner is either the first to 'shut the box' by successfully eliminating all the numbers in one turn, or whoever accumulates the lowest aggregate score from an agreed round of turns. Easier to play than the description makes it sound, with its mix of skill and luck this for us is one of the top ten family games around. Available from Games On Board

Yahtzee

A great diced based game for children of 8 and over, Yahtzee combines chance and logic, is played with five dice and involves a distinct sequence of rounds. Our featured item provides a set of rules, scoring sheets and a unique dice tray in addition to the five dice and throwing cup required to play. Available from Amazon

Stack

For children of six and over, this game allows 2 - 4 players to engage in a game of strategy and defence in which they aim to capture their opponents' dice. Our featured item comprises 56 multi coloured dice contained in a box which provides details of the rules. Available from Fabstuff

Marble Run

For children of four and over this 160 piece set allows kids to design and build connected pathways for marbles to roll along and fall, spin and whirl amongst. As well as providing great fun, our featured item, which includes a motorised elevator, paddle wheels and a double entry funnel as well as multiple marble launchers, nurtures the development of children's creativity and problem solving skills. Available from BrightMinds

Deluxe Marbles In A Tin Collection

Great value collection of more marbles than a child is likely to need to play any known traditional marble game or any new ones that their imagination can conjure. Featuring marbles of various sizes and appearances, including a mix of solid and textured colour varieties, this is a set kids will be truly proud of, given its size and versatility. Available from Amazon