How it plays
Each of the 60 cards shows one or more identical symbols in one color. In the German edition reviewed, there are six motifs, such as a star or a house, shown one to five times in one of six colors. Both players receive 30 cards as a draw pile, place the top card face down in the middle and take three cards into their hand. On the signal, both start cards are turned face up; now both players play cards from their hand on top of them at the same time, provided the motif, color or number matches. Drawing is allowed at any time, but never beyond three cards in hand. Whoever first empties their draw pile and hand wins.
What it can help develop
Every card in hand is compared with two piles and three features. In the edition reviewed, for example, five yellow houses fit on five red stars because the number matches, but not on two green balloons. Which feature counts keeps changing: this calls for cognitive flexibility and divided attention. Because the other player keeps changing the top cards, players have to look again and, if necessary, stop movements already begun: impulse control on a small scale. Above all, processing speed is what counts.
Especially suitable for
- Quick children from age 7 who love speed
- Children who find it hard to wait for their turn
- Short duels, including parent against child
Less suitable for
- Children who freeze or despair under time pressure
- Groups: essentially a two-player game
Our verdict
Blink is a worthwhile choice for quick children from age 7 and for parents who want a fast duel for two. The rule is explained in seconds, and a game is usually followed by a rematch. Its limitations are the hectic pace with jostling over the same pile, cards that wear out quickly and the essentially two-player format; anyone who freezes under time pressure will not be happy with it.
Getting started
- At the start, show one example of each: a single matching feature is enough, that is, the motif, the color or the number.
- Remind players that they may draw a card at any time, but never beyond three cards in hand.
- Make sure the table is well lit, because in the edition reviewed blue, green and violet are hard to tell apart in poor light.
In detail
Variants and player count
According to Adlung, the German publisher, two players play cards at the same time, and at least one feature must match. Both receive 30 cards, place the top one face down in the middle and take three into their hand. According to the Spiel des Jahres database, players may draw at any time, but never beyond three cards in hand. According to Wikipedia, whoever is first to play all their cards wins (according to Superfred: draw pile and hand); for games that are too easy, Superfred suggests playing with only one discard pile.
What reviewers say
The game was on the selection list for the Spiel des Jahres in 1996; according to Wikipedia, it received the As d’Or in the “Jeu Junior” category in 1997. Költringer (Salzburger Nachrichten) considers the rule understood after 20 to 40 seconds and speaks of a pull toward the next round. The retrospective on mit80 says that it is explained in twenty seconds, but that paying attention to three features is not easy and that hectic play often leads to mental blocks. Cliquenabend finds it too hectic for regular play but notes that further games often follow straight away. The blog brettspielblog.ch describes brain-hand coordination and games that usually do not last long; a reader’s comment there considers arguments possible when cards land on a pile almost at the same time.
How it compares
Avocado Smash (from age 6, 2 or more people, about 10 minutes) shares the skill area of perception and speed with Blink and adds impulse control as well as numbers and arithmetic. Avocado Smash suits lively family groups and children who are practicing counting to 15, less so quiet evenings. Twin It! (from age 8, 2 to 6 people, about 10 minutes) shares the skill area of perception and speed with Blink but allows up to six players, including mixed-age groups. Blink (from age 7, 2 people, 3 to 5 minutes) is essentially a two-player game for quick children from age 7 who love speed and for short duels, including parent against child; children who freeze under time pressure are less well served here.
Sources
- Adlung: Speed (publisher’s page, in German)
- Spiel des Jahres: Speed (game database, in German)
- Wikipedia (German): Spiel des Jahres – Auswahlliste
- Wikipedia (French): As d’Or
- Superfred: review (in German)
- Cliquenabend: review (in German)
- brettspielblog.ch: review (in German)
- mit80: retrospective (in German)
- Salzburger Nachrichten: review by Költringer (via Luding, in German)
- Wikipedia (German): Speed (Kartenspiel)
Frequently asked questions
What age is Blink suitable for?
Blink is recommended from age 7. A child who compares motif, color and number quickly and does not despair at speed is ready; one review considers it not easy to pay attention to three features at once.
How long does a game take and how many people can play?
A game takes only 3 to 5 minutes. The game is for exactly 2 people, who play against each other at the same time, and whoever gets rid of all their cards first wins. For more players, the rules only add a three-player variant and a tournament.
What skills can Blink help develop?
Blink can help develop perception and speed as well as flexibility. Every card in hand is checked against two piles for motif, color or number, the matching feature keeps changing, and movements already begun have to be stopped.
What if a parent is much faster?
The faster player can hold back and play on only one of the two piles. In the first few games it is also worth playing slowly and saying aloud what matches.
