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The twiglets have got really into board games lately. I love them as they’re a great way to spend time together as a family (well, until someone has a strop about losing that is!) So I was delighted when Jaques of London sent us some of their lovely wooden board games to review. Here’s how we got on…
Who are Jaques of London?
Jaques of London is the oldest sports and games manufacturer in the world! For generations the Jaques family have been inventing and creating toys and games, including many classics such as Ludo, Snakes & Ladders and Tiddleywinks.
Jaques of London believe in the power of play and spending quality family time together.
Receiving our Jaques of London games to review
There is such a wide choice of games available from Jaques of London – it was hard to decide which ones to go for! The website was super easy to navigate though, with items organised into collections. I looked through all the toys for 5 year olds.
I decided on two games: Chinese Checkers and Four in a Row. They arrived beautifully packaged, in a simple elegant style.
Inside the boxes, each game was wrapped in paper which gave an interesting insight into the history of the company. I loved the personal touch of the little card stating who had hand wrapped the package too!
The main thing that struck me when we unwrapped our delivery was the excellent quality craftsmanship of both games. Jaques of London games are handmade using solid wood. They’re finished so smoothly and beautifully, with no rough edges.
Chinese Checkers
No I didn’t just choose Chinese Checkers because it’s rainbow! (Ok maybe partly haha!) But I remember enjoying this game when I was younger so I was interested to see if the twigs would take to it. Within two minutes H said it was boring but by the end he was gripped to see who would win and declared it was ‘the best game ever!’ So there’s a lesson in how fickle kids are!!
Chinese Checkers is pretty simple to play. The aim is to move your coloured pegs to the opposite triangle. If there are two players, you must start opposite each other so you swap sides. You move one space diagonally at a time, or you can jump your pegs over each other if there is a space on the other side.
The twigs are genuinely loving it though and have gone back to it repeatedly to play it again. I’m enjoying watching their tactical skills develop, as they spot the best ways to fit lots of jumps in one go and therefore advance quicker.
Even better is that there is a bonus game, Go Bang, on the reverse of the board. This is also super fun and has full instructions included.
Four In A Row
Four In A Row, or Connect Four, is such a classic traditional family game. This one is a portable version, made from solid FSC-approved wood.
Such a simple concept – players must get four of their colour counters in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Again, it’s been amazing to watch the twigs’ strategic skills develop as they play. This game is also fab for improving fine motor and problem solving skills.
What we love about Jaques of London games:
We love that Jaques of London games are:
- Fun
- Environmentally friendly
- Durable
- Beautifully packaged
- High quality
- Reasonably priced
- Screen free
Thanks for reading my review of Jaques of London wooden board games. Chinese Checkers and Four In A Row are available to buy from lots of retailers (RRP £14.99 and £9.99). Make sure you check out all the other wooden games available too!
DISCOUNT CODE! Jaques of London are offering my readers 15% off. Get it here 🙂
Til next time,
Hannah xx
PS – We were sent these games in exchange for a review. But as always all opinions are honest and my own 🙂
Why not check out some of my other reviews:
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12 Comments
I used to love Chinese Checkers too! I’d forgotten all about it until I read your post. This one is lovely, a much nicer version than my plastic one!
#MMBC
Connect four is an absolute classic, I loved it as a kid! Must admit I have never seen Chinese chequers before but it looks like a great game for kids too.
#mischiefandmemories
I used to love chinese checkers!! I would play it for hours. Jacques do make lovely games don’t they. #fortheloveofblog
Wow so beautiful and well made X #mischiefandmemories
We have a few of the Jacques of London outdoor games which are so well made and durable. I love the look of the Chinese checkers set – the rainbow coloured pegs would appeal to me too! #MMBC
I love how wooden toys are having a massive moment! These all look so well made and a great addition to any toy collection. Thanks for linking up to #ForTheLoveofBlog!
These games are so gorgeous! I do love wooden board games and that chinese checkers rainbow board is so pretty. I’m going to check out Jacques of London as we are in need of a draughts board. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories xx
These games are beautiful especially the chinese checkers xx #fortheloveofblog
Ive always been a huge fan of wooden toys, and these look amazing and well-made! Thanks for sharing x #fortheloveofblog
We love board games and these look fantastic I love playing connect 4 with my twin girls I will be checking these out #fortheloveofblog
I love playing these games although I’ve never seen a wooden four in a row before! The packaging is beautiful. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
Aw, wooden toys are just the best. We have a few of the Jacques of London toys and they are so well made. 🙂 x #MMBC