Early Bird from Timberdoodle is a fun, fast-paced game that involves a deck of specialized cards and a squishy worm.
While the concept is simple, the game provides hours of fun and learning for a wide variety of ages.
What is Early Bird?
The box says it is a “soarin’ game of fast flying worm madness.” This game reminds me of a mix of UNO and Dutch Blitz, with some fun, silly challenges added to the mix.
It is a game where you have to discard your cards by adding them to a pile in numerical order. The order can go up or down at the discretion of the person who called the play. It is a game of speed and strategy.
How Do You Play Early Bird?
Each player is given 7 cards; the cards are a mix of numerical cards 1-8 and special challenge cards. The person who does the best impression of a worm gets to start the game by discarding one card and determining the direction of play (up or down).
Unlike many card games, you do not take turns; anyone can lay down the next card as long as it is in order, and the goal is to be out of cards first.
Just when you think you have a plan, someone throws a challenge card into the mix and changes everything up!
There are funny challenge cards in the mix, and they can be played at any time. Some have you chasing the foam worm, spinning in a circle, or building a birdhouse from cards.
Each round takes as little as five minutes, and the game recommends playing 5 rounds to determine the winner. However, you can easily do more or less depending on your time constraints.
Our Experience with Early Bird
Our first experience with Early Bird was my husband, my eight-year-old, and me. While getting out of my chair for some of the challenges was not overly appealing (I mean, who doesn’t relish the opportunity to stay seated for a few minutes in a busy day), the game was honestly a lot of fun.
We were figuring it all out during the first round, and then the rounds went quickly and smoothly. My son loved it and appreciated that during one challenge when you had to stand up and spin around, he always won because the adults were not nearly as motivated.
My son loved it so much that he started begging other family members to play, and my twelve-year-old son and eighteen-year-old daughter enjoyed it as well.
More than playing, I enjoyed watching them all spend time together laughing and enjoying a good game.
“It is a fun fast pace game for the whole family. Super easy to learn and lots of fun to play.” Elizabeth, age 18
Who Would Enjoy Early Bird?
This game is great for anyone old enough to recognize their numbers and count them in order. I think it would work well for helping younger students improve their number recognition as well.
Due to the active nature of several of the challenges, participants do need to be able to physically move around to retrieve the worm, switch seats, or spin around. However, if you have someone with physical limitations, you can adapt the challenges.
Aside from physical limitations or children who are still getting comfortable with their numbers, the nature of the game creates an even playing field across ages and skill levels, which helps make a family game feel more “fair” for younger children when playing with adults or teens.
Overall Thoughts
Our family enjoyed this fast-paced game. The speed and ease of play are a bonus, and the challenges add a lot of laughter and surprise. We think it is a great family game for multiple ages.
While this might not be a school-time staple, I do think it is great for a family game night, a rainy afternoon, or a nice break between chores.
You can find out more and purchase your copy of the game at Timberdoodle.
FAQs
What ages is this game for?
Recommended for ages 7+; any child who can count and recognizes numbers could play.
How Many Players?
2-6 Players
Does the game require reading?
While someone needs to initially be able to read the instructions, the game can easily be played by players who are not yet reading.
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