We had intended this set for ages 10 and up and thought it too complicated for younger kids, until we let some preschoolers at it during a visit to a school event. "Awesome" just barely describes the creativity and natural sense of symmetry these youngsters displayed. A geometry lab for home or classroom, Combinatorix contains 512 wood tiles. Squares, equilateral triangles, hexagons, and isosceles right triangles have 1" unit sides, are 1/4" thick for easy handling, and are supplied in four colors. The set includes three large vinyl game grids and 3 workbooks for competitive, solo and cooperative activities, all in a sturdy wood chest that's finished like fine furniture by a master craftsman. For 1 to 27 players, ages 6 to adult. $295 (plus $15 oversize shipping surcharge)

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A gracefully proportioned subset of Combinatorix, this group of squares, equilateral triangles, hexagons, and isosceles right triangles has its own 40-page booklet of explorations, designs and games. Approximately 55 wood tiles have 1" unit sides, are 1/4" thick for easy handling, and mix the four colors shown in all-different assortments within the 11" rounded triangular tray. Display stand included. For 1 to 3 players, ages 6 to adult.$45

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This set of two shapes in four colors is the next best thing to a kaleidoscope. The 36-degree rhombus and the 72-degree rhombus are just what it takes to fill up a decagon. Vary the patterns as you like from utterly chaotic to exquisitely symmetrical. Recommended for ages 6 to adult. $35

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A plaything of visual beauty and creative delights. The 24 diamond-shaped tiles (sample shown at right) and 6 triangular tiles carry 6 dominant rainbow colors. They join so that colors meet only their own shades or their neighbors in the spectrum. Wonderful patterns emerge. There are interesting shapes to build outside the 8½" tray, as well. All acrylic. For 1 or 2 players, ages 5 to adult. $55

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This is our No. 1 game. The 12 lasercut, hand-polished maple blocks, 13/16" unit cube size, are all the different shapes 5 cubes can make when joined in a flat plane ("solid pentominoes"). Illustrated booklet of 80 pages has the most comprehensive collection of activities for the set ever published, much original material including 2-D and 3-D puzzles and 5 competitive games. The pieces feel very good to the touch. They could become a lifetime avocation. For 1 to 4 players, for as young as shows interest, to adult. $75

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These two authentic ancient games are the ancestors of all modern boardgames: "Labyrinth" from Minoan Crete, "Goose" from the Renaissance. Both are a race to the center. "Goose" is purely chance, while "Labyrinth" allows for backgammon-like strategies. The two-sided, 24" octagonal framed wood gameboard is handcrafted, with brass reinforcing brackets and a brass-finish carry handle. The superb quality carries through to 16 handpainted wood pawns, lively wood dice and a velvet cover. Suitable for 2 to 8 players, all ages for "Goose," age 10 to adult for "Labyrinth."
$175 (plus $10 oversize shipping surcharge)

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