Qwirkle Cubes (2009)

About this game

Qwirkle Cubes is a sequel of sorts to Qwirkle with the goal of the game being the same as before: Create rows and columns in which the tokens all match either in color or symbol in order to score points. Each time you add tokens to the playing area, you score points equal to the rows/columns that you create or add to. Close out a row by playing the sixth token in it, and you score six bonus points in addition to whatever else you score for the turn. In Qwirkle, the pieces have a colored symbol on one face and are otherwise blank, but in Qwirkle Cubes the tokens have six faces in the same color, with each face having a different one of the six symbols. On a turn, you: Roll as many cubes from your hand as you want. Play cubes from your hand to build color lines and symbol lines. Draw and roll replacement cubes. All the cubes are visible, so players can better judge their opponents' future moves – notwithstanding their rolls, mind you. The game continues until no more cubes remain in the reserve pool and one player has placed all of her cubes. This player scores a six point bonus, then the player with the most points wins!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.6/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 6 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.