Socken Zocken (Haba)

Socken Zocken

Socken Zocken is yet another game by HABA that is cute and enjoyable, however it isn't one of my favourites.  I seems to have limited replay-ability for a speed matching game (considering we have been playing Dobble for like 3 years now this one will not last us this long). It is playable to larger numbers (up to 6 players) and good for young children but it is a racing game so everyone playing with the children will need to slow their own racing abilities down, which I always dislike having to do, which is why this game is not in my top 5.

Socken Zocken plays in about 10-15 minutes for 2-6 players age 4 and up, but I think a 3 year old can definitely play with a bit of help. To me this seems more like a game I would want my 5 year old to play with other kids his age but he isn't' that keen on this one so its unlikely to ever happen.


Game Play

Very simple, all the socks are in the box. All together all players put their hands in the box and try to make pairs of socks. If they get 5 pairs of socks first they grab the little sock monster and shout they finished. They then get a little orange clothes pin for getting the pairs, all the socks go back in the box and time for another round of sock matching.  Three clothes pins wins the game.  See super simple.


Review

I do think this game is better off with all the socks out of the box on a table or maybe in a larger box as I can just see the cardboard game box getting torn with six pairs of little hands digging around in there. However taking all the socks out and spreading them on a table does make it easier so you should know that before doing it.  As always with all HABA stuff the quality is lovely, cardboard sock pieces and the monster and pins are painted wood.

I also really like that the socks are quite difficult to match making this game much more fun for adults too. However this difficulty added with the speed pressure is one of the reasons my son doesn't like this game.  He likes matching and he likes speed but not like this for some reason. Possibly not with the added pressure of everyone's hand in the box at the same time.

Ways I would fix this game for us is we put all the socks on a tray on the table and race to still get 5 pairs, but really it would be better to have a larger box. Although I wouldn't want a larger price tag so price-wise this game is okay. Like I said not our favourite and not as bad as some (Monopoly!) so still definitely enjoyable. We will keep it around for a while if only just to have something to play when younger siblings come over.