Looking to add something new to your game collection but want something off the beaten path? Try Cobra Paw, a tile snatching game!
A tile snatching game, you say? What in the world is that? Think of it as a merging of Qwirkle, Dominoes, and Slapjack. Sounds crazy, right?
UPDATE: Cobra Paw has been discontinued, which is a TRAVESTY. You may still be able to find it at some retailers. Or, check out our other favorite tile games for families.
OR: Check out another favorite feline game: CAT CRIMES
It turns out, tile snatching is loads of fun. Players put their visual skills and reflexes to the test and compete against each other by being the first to recognize pattern matches and grab the correct tiles.
About Cobra Paw
Cobra Paw, for 2-6 players, consists of 21 decorated "Clawfuku stones" and 2 large "Catnippon" dice. As with a typical domino, each of the tiles displays 2 patterns. The patterns may be different or identical. The patterns on the tiles match the designs on the dice.
One player rolls the dice, and then everyone races to find and grab the tile that matches the patterns shown on the dice. The first player who is able to collect six tiles is declared the Master Meow.
Why You Should Play Cobra Paw
A successful Cobra Paw strategy requires very quick thinking. Players cannot relax their attention for a moment. This keeps the brain whirring and gives kids (and grown-ups!) a mini-lesson in the importance of focus.
Players also exercise their visual discrimination and recognition skills, making this a great game to add to your collection of games that build visual perception skills.
Tips for Playing with Young Children
Although the official age recommendation is for ages 6 and up, kids as young as 4 can benefit from playing. However, little ones should play with compassionate adults, not with competitive siblings.
Cobra Paw is definitely an exercise in sportsmanship! Because of the fast-paced, competitive nature of a bunch of hands reaching for a pile of tiles, little hands may be outmatched.
One rule of the game allows players to snatch tiles from their opponents' piles. If this rule promotes tears, it could easily be set aside until kids are ready for it.
Get your money's worth out of the game! 3 to 5 year olds will also enjoy exploring the tiles, matching patterns and creating shapes in a relaxed environment. Adults can use the tiles in creative ways to practice visual recognition skills with these young children. Roll the dice and ask your child to find the corresponding tile, or ask them to locate all tiles with a particular pattern.
However you play, have fun!
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