Guest Author - Lynn Little

Players 2- 6

Ages 4 - 99

Playing Time 10 minutes

The little pixie Chaoty is at it again. This time he has made a mess in the kids' room. It is up to the players to help restore order in this game from the German company Haba. Chaos in the Kids' Room, or Chaos in Kimderzimmer, is a fun, fast matching game for ages 4 to 99.

Play begins by placing Chaoty in the center of the table. Mix the cards together and then place them face down circling Chaoty. Players take turns flipping over cards, revealing the three pictured objects. Then players search for two of the same object on any two cards. If they think they have spotted one, then they must grab Chaoty and then name the object. If they identify the right object, then they take both cards and place them in front of them. If they are wrong, then that person must turn in one of their cards. If that player does not have any cards, then she cannot grab the pixie when the next match is revealed.

The game ends when the last card has been turned over. The person with the most cards in front of them wins the game.

Each card features three items that are likely found in a kid's room like ducks and teddy bears. There are a couple of variations of play that are explained in the game rules. These alternative ways to play add to the playability and fun of the game.

While this game is for anyone, kids are much more likely to find Chaos in the Kids' Room engaging. It is an interesting spin on the classic game Memory. Players do have to first grab Chaoty and then say which items they spot instead of grabbing the cards.

Haba makes some great, educational toys and games for kids. Their games are well crafted and are durable. Chaoty the pixie is a wooden figure while the playing cards are round and thick.

Chaos in the Kids' Room can be a fun game to play with younger kids or to even quiz kids about item names and colors.