Game University: Seeking Socks
Friday, May 13, 2011 
Let me preface this post by saying that any game that includes a little green wooden sock monster automatically gets put on our favorites list. With that said, this game is not only the coolest, but also a unique cognitive challenge for all ages. Seeking Socks is a fast-paced matching game that encourages quick pattern recognition, color differentiation and a test of fine motor skills under pressure. As with all of HABA’s games, a few slight rule variations makes it fun for the whole family to play together.
Each game includes one adorable wooden sock monster, colorfully striped cardboard socks and clothespins, which act as the point-scoring system. To begin, put the sock monster in the middle of the table, easily within reach of all the players. Set the clothespins aside, and keep all of the socks in the box. Shake the box of socks and dump them in the middle of the table. Once all of the socks are in a big colorful pile, everyone promptly begins seeking socks.
The object of the game is to quickly gather five matching pairs of socks before your opponents can. Once you believe you've completed the task, grab the sock monster and shout, "Sock Dip!" At that point, everyone must stop what they're doing and determine that the first player done indeed has five correctly matching pairs. If they do have five matching pairs, they've earned one clothespin point. The first one to earn five clothespins wins the game.
The trick to the game is the complexity of the patterns on the socks. Each one is similarly striped, but with slight variations. This requires players to distinguish subtle differences and deconstruct the patterns visually all within an unknown time restraint. Success requires concentration, quick sorting and the ability to remain cool under pressure.
To be quick at this game, one must be able to make sense out of a chaotic color mess. It requires you to develop different strategies of viewing the pile. Do you pull your gaze back and view it as a whole and try to identify similar abberations in the patterns of the pile? Or are you more inclined to visually dive right in to each individual's sock pattern immediately? This is a great thing to talk about with your child as you play the game. You can practice different ways of seeing each round to determine how your brain works best.
As adults, we have a tendency to think in words, which drastically slows us down in this game. Some people, however, learn to practice a more intuitive way of seeing, which means they quickly recognize matches without thinking about each individual difference as they visually sift through the pile. It helps one learn to know instinctively what is correct and incorrect. This helps in problem solving and test taking when kids are older. It's a unique test of the brain, which fosters a kind of innate logic in players.
You can alter the rules according to each player's ability level to even the playing field. For example, younger players may only need to find two or three pairs when playing with an adult. Or, have the more experienced players put one hand behind their back for an even greater test of fine motor skills.
If players are equally matched in skill level, it's fun to throw a few random socks aside so they don't have matches, which adds an extra challenge.
Seeking Socks is great for ages 4-99 and can be played with 2-6 people. Each game takes about 10 minutes to complete. As is responsibly manufactured in Europe and adheres to the highest international quality and safety standards.
Right now at aMuse, if you purchase fifty dollars or more of HABA products, you get a HABA free tote bag.
Reader Comments (3)
Try to provide children with a variety of toys that encourage different skills. Toys that encourage gross motor skills like reaching, crawling, throwing, catching and physical activity.
Agree on the physical activity aspect this generation is getting the least amount of PA than any preceeding. Learning benefits and skill development are next in importance.
So true, Lance! It's important to foster growth in the WHOLE child - physically, mentally, socially, emotionally. A time to run around, a time to focus, a time to play together and a time to play alone. Play in its most classic sense of the word is what we love most.