My 10-year-old assistant reviewer has pointed out that I should mention the educational value of 5 to Close. She informed me that people should know that it is an excellent way to have children practice reading and spelling without knowing that they are learning. Good point. Score keeping also seems to build math skills unbeknownst to my fifth grade word-lover/number-hater.
Our criticisms of 5 to Close were minor. The deck is thick and tends to be difficult to shuffle properly, especially initially. Also, the rules could be slightly more clear on a couple of points regarding what cards may be played upon a word and at what point. However, neither of these points detracted from our enjoyment of the game.
5 to Close is available through the company's website. The list price was $9.95 at the time of review. And, no, you can’t have my copy. This one is definitely making the trip to the grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving!
Article comments
1 - Caroline Hagood
I love how your managed to fit great writing and your apparent passion for words into a product review. Now, that's a challenge. Well done.
2 - Christy Corp-Minamiji
Thanks, Caroline. This was my first review, and it was a fun one!