Garden games

There is a lot of fondness for the old style of games. Simple and straightforward are not terms that get used all that much these days. When technology is king and phones can play games that even consoles couldn't play not that long ago its easy to forget the fun that can be had with a physical game. Despite a lot of kids scoffing at games like these it all gets forgotten once they are actually playing.

We have made some games that are based on that kind of thing. Something that the whole family can enjoy playing and does not need any screens. Above is a jumbo size set of dominoes made from reclaimed pallet wood. This gives them a size which is comfortable in the hand and big enough to be played outside. The dots are drilled to give them a texture and keep them visible from any angle. Dominoes are often overlooked but many people enjoy playing and it is a great cross generational game.

Here we have a game of Smite. Made from rustic roundwood red oak these are hard wearing and durable, which is a good thing considering how you play the game. It is played by arranging the logs as above then at a chosen distance the unmarked log is thrown into the pile. You earn points for each log knocked down. The next player then stands all the logs back up where they end up, so you can make it difficult for each other by knocking the logs further apart. This means the game spreads out as it is played. The winner is the first to score a chosen amount, so a quick game could be played up to 50, and longer games can go as high as you like. It is an interesting game, almost a cross between snooker, darts and bowling. It is just as much fun for adults as it is for kids too.

Lastly we have a take on an american classic, Cornhole. Traditionally played with two boards, we have made a single board this time as we know many of us don't have gardens large enough to spread out too far. So by taking turns and using one board it is easy to have enough room in smaller gardens as you don't want to stand too close. Also by taking turns you can play with as many people as you like, whereas traditionally it is a maximum of four players. The rules are flexible, so you can alter things to suit how long you want to play and how good the players arm and aim is. A good rule of thumb is the first to reach 21 points is the winner. A bag which stays on the board at the end of your turn is worth 1 point, a bag which gets through the hole is worth 3 points. When the player has thrown all the bags you add up your score and the next player steps up to the plate.

These kinds of games are infectious to play and its is always a surprise how people gets drawn in. Best of all they are are interactive games that dont need to be serious and can be set up to keep things fun for kids and adults of all ages. Another plus point is that they are quick and easy to get going, so when our unruly British summers decide we need a shower it is only moments to put away. They also lend themselves well to barbecue days as they are good social games that everyone can enjoy.