Speed Sumoku
Object of the Game
In speed sumoku, players race to be the first to assemble all of their tiles in their own crossword-style pattern. As in sumoku, each row and column must add up to a multiple of the key number.
Setup
Turn the tiles face down and shuffle them around. Place the bag next to the draw pile. All players draw 10 tiles and turn them face up in front of them.
Game Play
"Sumo-go!": Roll the die. When it stops and the key num- ber is displayed, all the players begin assembling their tiles.
Important: A color cannot repeat in the same row or column. A number may repeat.
"Swapoku!": When players are stuck, they can swap 1 tile for 2 new tiles from the draw pile as many times during the game as needed.
"Sumoku!": If you are the first to complete your pattern, grab the bag and shout out "sumoku!".
Play stops immediately. The player on your right checks your tiles for accuracy.
In a correct speed sumoku:
- All rows and columns add up to a multiple of the key number.
- -There are no repeating colors within a single row or column.
- All your tiles are used.
If you have a successful sumoku, you win the round and a new round starts.
In this example, a 10-tile sumoku is assembled with rows and columns adding up to multiples of 5.
"Tubadoku!": A mistake is found. You are out for this round. Your tiles are returned to the draw pile.
Each remaining player takes 2 more tiles and play continues until a successful sumoku is assembled.
At the beginning of each round, return all tiles to the draw pile, shuffle the pile, and draw 10 new tiles. The winner of the previous round tosses the die.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player wins 2 rounds in a row or 3 rounds altogether.
Spot Sumoku
2 to 8 players
Object of the Game
In spot sumoku, be the first player to spot a combination of 4 tiles that adds up to a multiple of the key number.
Setup
Turn the tiles face down and shuffle them around. Take 10 tiles and turn them face up in the middle of the playing area.
Game Play
Throw the die. If you are the first player to spot a combination of 4 tiles that adds up to a multiple of the key number, shout it out! Then assemble the 4 tiles and show your solution to the other players.
Example: If the key number is 3, and you spot a combination which adds up to 15, shout out "15!"
Important: A color cannot repeat in the same row or column. A number may repeat.
If your combination is correct, keep the 4 tiles. Draw 4 new tiles and add them to the playing area to begin a new round.
If your combination is incorrect, return 4 tiles to the draw pile. If you do not have 4 tiles, sit out the next round.
End of the Game
- 2 to 4 players: the first player to collect 16 tiles wins.
- 5 to 8 players: the first player to collect 12 tiles wins.
Team Sumoku
2, 3 or 4 teams of players
Object of the Game
In team sumoku, teams race to be the first to assemble all of their tiles in their own crossword-style pattern. As with other versions, each row and column must add up to a multiple of the key number.
Setup
Each team receives the same number of tiles and places them face up:
- 2 teams - 48 tiles per team
- 3 teams - 32 tiles per team
- 4 teams - 24 tiles per team
Game Play
Roll the die and start assembling the tiles.
Important: A color cannot repeat in the same row or column. A number may repeat.
End of the Game
The first team to use all their tiles correctly wins the game.
Solo Sumoku
1 player or 1 group
Object of the Game
In solo sumoku, the object is to assemble the tiles in a crossword-style pattern such that each row and column adds up to a multiple of the key number.
Play solitaire or as a group (an excellent, pressure-free way to play with younger children).
Game Play
Important: In solo sumoku, colors and numbers cannot repeat in the same row or column.
Draw 16 tiles. Roll the die and start assembling the tiles.
Once the first 16 tiles are connected, take 10 additional tiles and add them to the pattern. Continue adding 10 tiles at a time, attempting to use all 96 tiles.
Variation: time yourself or the group, or see how many tiles you can use successfully in a given time frame.
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