Gene Mackles

The game Iota appears disconcertingly small but as advertised, is much larger than it seems. Fit into a 2 ¼ by 2 ¼ inch tin, it is a mix between free-form Scrabble and the matching game Set. Players place small square cards into a grid, making sure that color, shape, and number are either all the same or all different across a horizontal or vertical line of up to four cards. The Gamewright websites advertises that Iota reinforces special relations, visual discrimination, and strategic thinking. It does in fact do all of these, and is both fun and frustrating (in a puzzle sort of way) to boot. Due to the small size of the game tin, it is ideal for travel, though for play a flat surface of at least a couple of feet is necessary. A full game takes upwards of thirty minutes, though for shorter games, the number of cards can be halved. The game is suggested 2 to 4 players ages 8 and up. Recommended for kids, teens, and adults both at home and in waiting rooms and restaurants. Due to the small size of the cards and the quantity of them (66), it is not recommended for classrooms or libraries except under close supervision, to prevent the loss of game pieces.… (mehr)