Games We Play: Othello

When Dolly was 3-years-old, she was unable to understand the rules of the Othello game enough to play meaningfully.

A few months ago, I decided to try again and was pleasantly surprised that she picked up real fast. By the second game, she was already able to retain over 10 pieces of her colour by the time we reached the end of the game.

I especially love the fact that this game hones one's ability to strategise and observation skill. To play well, even for a young player like Dolly, she must observe her opponent's moves, predict his intentions, consider her own's priorities and devise a series of moves to counter her opponent's moves.

Though I first bought this game for M some 8 years ago, it was Chip who played this game more often. But this game has been kept in storage the last 2 years since the boys have moved on to more exciting games, so I am just so pleased that the Dolly has taken such an interest in it. Hopefully we can continue to play this a couple of times a week before her interest wanes.