Grabolo

Grabolo is a game that’s as simple as it is brilliant.

At first glance, it looks like a straightforward speed-and-reaction game, but once you start playing, you quickly realize how clever its design, made by Maureen Hiron, really is. The setup is minimal, the rules are easy to explain in under a minute, and yet the excitement it generates is remarkable.

Grabolo: overview of the components

How it works

You get two dice and six sets of six cards. Each set comes in a distinct colour, and the cards are numbered from 1 to 6. One of the dice is standard, showing the numbers from 1 to 6. The other features colours that match the six sets of cards spread out on the table.

The objective couldn’t be simpler: roll both dice, then look at the number on one and the colour on the other. The card with that exact combination (say, a green 5 or a red 2) is the one everyone must grab. The first player to snatch it keeps it.

Of course, things get more interesting as the table empties. Once a card has already been claimed, it can still come back into play. If the same colour-and-number combination appears again, the first person to correctly name who has that card wins it. This rule adds an unexpected layer of memory and observation to what seems like a purely reflex-based game.

The first player to collect ten cards wins the round. Games move fast, usually lasting between five and ten minutes, which makes Grabolo perfect for short bursts of play or for filling gaps between longer games.

How it feels

Despite its simplicity, the game never feels repetitive. The combination of quick reflexes, pattern recognition, and a dash of memory keeps everyone alert and laughing. We’ve found that once you start playing, it’s hard to stop - “just one more round” easily turns into an hour of energetic, chaotic fun.

Grabolo also scales well across age groups. Younger players love the fast pace and the physical challenge of grabbing the right card, while adults appreciate the subtle strategy and the quick mental shifts required. It’s a rare game that bridges that gap so naturally.

Verdict

Our verdict: a solid 9 out of 10. Grabolo stands out for its brilliant balance of simplicity, interaction, and replay value. It’s easy to learn, endlessly engaging, and guaranteed to liven up any game night.

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