Spelinfo
January 2002
Frank Wils
The Netherlands

Blink!
Publisher: Out of the Box Games, 2001
Language: English
Author: Reinhard Staupe
Players: 2-3
Play Length: about 5 minutes
Ages: 7 years and up
Price: About $6

Design
The design is simple, but very effective. The box is pocket-sized and contains 64 cards. The cards were made smooth and strong, ideal for a game such as this. Although the graphic design is done again by John Kovalic (see also Bosworth) there are no drawings to be found in this game. Nothing but the logo of Blink! which decorates the box and the backside of the cards. The fronts of the cards contain symbols. 5 different symbols, in 5 different quantities, in 5 different colors.

The Rules
Just as usual with games from Out of the Box- games, this game is playable in just a few minutes. The rules also only take up less than 2 pages. There are also some illustrations in the rules. The rules are primarily, meant for 2 players. A small block of text provides the rules for 3 players. The rules are short and clear and within 5 minutes you can be playing without needing the rule book.

The Game Itself
Blink! has as its subtitle "Worlds fastest game." The length of the game is indeed, seldom longer than a couple of minutes. Blink! must really also be played by the fastest players in the world. No long tactical thought process. Forget the strategic moves. Blink! depends on the speed of hand and mind. The pile of 64 cards is divided between the players. They each lay the top card from their piles face-down next to each other, well within reach and sight of both players. Next, each player takes the top three cards in his/her hand. The players must now be equally distanced away from the cards and sitting comfortably, the draw piles within reach. They turn over the face-down cards at the same time . . . then it begins. As quickly as possible they must get rid of their cards as soon as they see them. This happens by laying the cards from your hand on the top open card (on either pile) on to the piles on the table. This card must match in symbol, color or quantity with the card that you want to play. During this, you must refill your hand, because you may have up to 3 cards in your hand. He or she who is first through all of their cards wins. Because of the short play time, it is also good to play "best of five" or "best of nine."

Summary

Plus points

• Short play time
• Eye-hand coordination practice
• Perfect travel game
• Fun for all ages

Minus points

• Hard to control whether or not the correct card was played, you must trust your fellow players
• Not for serious gamers

Overall Impression
Is Blink! an all-evening tactical/strategic board game without a factor of luck where everyone sits around and ponders? No. Is Blink! a game of luck where the most important thing is speed of eyes and hands? Yes. Is Blink! fun? YES! With the right players Blink! can bring about hilarious moments and can raise adrenaline. The loser will often want revenge. Because of the short playtime, this is naturally no problem. It is sometimes hard to quit. If you have other plans for the evening, set a number of games before you begin playing.

Blink! is licensed from a German game Speed. This games is also available for purchased from the publisher Adlung.

Back to BLINK Reviews page