For an innovative new game that has overtones of the traditional card game "Rummy", try Cranium Zigity. Fast, fun and funky, the game comprises 80 Zigity cards that are made out of clear plastic (not only durable, but wipe-clean!) and an embossed, multi-coloured tin.

There are four "suits" along the usual Cranium lines: "Word Worm", "Data Head", "Creative Cat" and "Star Performer". There are also "Free Cards" that can act as a substitute to any of these suits. The aim of the game is to get rid of your cards first, and you can do this in a combination of ways: using the suits to make "sets", where you build up words of any number of letters, any numbers to the sum of 11, three puzzle images or four musical instruments. Once a set is made, a player can lay down the cards and play moves on. If you can’t complete a set, you can play an action card, which might prompt the next player to draw more cards, allow you to dodge a go or bounce play back in the opposite direction.

Full instructions (that fold down to the size of the tin for safe keeping) explain set up and detail all the rules with the help of colour illustrations. They are surprisingly simple and straightforward, and if you read them thoroughly you will be up and running within 5 to 10 minutes. Players are required to read and add up, so to play at a meaningful pace, players really need to be at least six or seven years old, depending on ability. (The manufacturer recommends the game for ages eight and above). Competent players can complete a game in about 10 minutes, but the only downside of this game is that youngsters will want to play again and again and again … and again!

Players of all ages and ability can play together, and with younger children this is an excellent way to encourage addition and spelling skills, as well as co-operative play, taking turns and—most difficult of all—losing in a sporting way!


Box Contents:
- 80 cards
- Tin
- Instruction leaflet