Directions for Play

Following is a brief explanation on how to setup and play The Touch game. The game is adaptable to many different variations for play. We enourage you to try your own methods and welcome your suggestions!

The basic objective of the game is to identify & collect the educational pieces with tactile perception. The game is played with the play pieces placed inside the container and the cards set up around it. (You can set up the game with the cards face up, for easy reference, or face down, for more memory challenge). A great way for beginner or younger players to start playing is to use only part or half of the cards & pieces, working their way up, as they learn the touch skills. Younger players can also start by playing a visual matching game to become familiar with the pieces. (The lid is removable, for easy access to the pieces within.)

Players spin the indicator ring, selecting a card with the red indicator arrow. They then set the timer and reach in to find those pieces. Using only their sense of touch, as other players watch through the window. The player who is searching cannot see what they are feeling, but they learn to 'visualize' each piece as they search. At the same time, their opponents are engaged while observing them through the transparent viewing window on the opposite side of the dome. (Hint: players can play in teams, and give 'hints' to guide each other to the pieces.) Anytime a player collects a correctly identified piece, they set it in front of them, in their "pile of wins", and lay stake to that card, giving them the opportunity to draw the remaining pieces from that card on any future turn. Additionally, on each turn, the players spin for a new card, so they can feel for whatever is on their new card as well as add to the sets they have already started. This feature gives the players increased opportunities to collect, but also forces them to rely on their memory. When they collect all the pieces on the card, they earn the card and score double points!

If a player pulls out the wrong piece, they must return it to the container and their turn is over. If a player spins and lands on a card that another play has already collected pieces from, they can go for the remaining pieces. The card stays in play (around the container) until all the pieces have been removed from the container. Whichever player pulls out the last piece on the card, collects the card. Players are encouraged to finish sets and complete cards, so they can earn double points. Players have the option to 'trade' with each other between turns, in order to obtain complete sets. Scoring is easy: 10 points per piece, 10 points per card, and double points (20 points) for the pieces in complete sets.

The game ends with a bonus lightning round. After scores are tabulated, players return all the pieces to the container. Each player gets one turn to set the timer and pull out as many pieces as possible. They must say the name of the piece, before they pull it out. Each piece correctly withdrawn is worth 10 points and the bonus round score is added to the score from regular game play to determine the winner.