Whether it’s board games, card games or tabletop games, game nights are lots of fun. But as fun as it is gathering around the table and playing your favourite games with friends and family, there is something special about taking those games outdoors, especially when they are in GIANT form! Outdoor games are excellent for bringing people together, encouraging movement, and add an extra layer of excitement to classic favourites as well as getting everybody some fresh air and enjoying the glorious weather. Whether it’s giant Jenga, oversized chess, or inflatable Twister, these larger-than-life versions of traditional games transform any garden or open space into a playground. One such favourite that takes outdoor gaming to a new level is Giant Dobble, a supersized version of the beloved fast-paced matching game.
Giant Dobble takes the classic card-matching game and supersizes it for outdoor fun. Instead of the small circular picture cards that we all know and love, the cards have been enlarged and made more durable, making it a perfect game for garden parties and family gatherings. Suitable for 2-12 players, age 6+ with a playing time of approximately 15 minutes per game.
In the box:
- 20x Giant, Sturdy Round Cards
- Instructions / Rulebook
Giant Dobble retains its original concept – each card features a set of symbols, and between any two cards, there’s always one matching symbol. And the challenge stays the same – spot the matching symbol faster than your opponents! The difference is that the cards are much larger, measuring 24.5cm in diameter, and the cards are played on the ground.
Giant Dobble has four unique game modes:
- Relay Race: this is a game for 4-12 players (there are rules for a 2 player variant as well). Two rows of 10 cards are placed on the ground and teams take turns to get from the start to the end as quickly as possible, naming the matching symbols on the card they are standing at to the card in front as they go. When a player reaches the end, they high five a team mate and that player does the same in reverse. The first team to have all their players complete the row is the winner.
- The Cat: this is a game for 3-8 players. Place a grid of 4×5 face up cards on the ground. One player takes on the role of the Cat and stands at one of the four corner cards, the remaining players stand at a card of their choice. The aim of the game is to avoid the Cat. On the count of three, all players must find the matching symbol in an adjacent card and move to it (left, right, up or down, not diagonally). Two players cannot be on the same card. If the Cat reaches a players card, that player is out. The last player to avoid the Cat is the winner.
- The Circle: this is a for 2-10 players. Place all 20 cards in a circle on the ground. Each player chooses a starting card, spaced evenly from the other players. The aim is to stay in the race. All players play at the same time, find the matching symbol on the card in front of them, calling it out and moving to it. If a player catches up with another, the player they caught is out. The last player in the race is the winner.
- Face-Off: this is a game for 5-11 players. One player is the referee and takes all the cards and forms a face down deck. The remaining players split into 2 equal teams and secretly assign each player a number, starting from 1. The aim of the game is to collect as many cards as you can. The referee turns two cards face up and calls out a number. The players with that number on each team must run to the overturned cards and the first to spot the matching symbol on the two cards wins them both and takes them back to their team. The team who has collected most cards once all 20 cards have been used is the winner.
Overall, Giant Dobble is excellent fun. It can be played indoors and outdoors with it large durable wipe-clean cards. The four game modes are all equally as fun and as well being the competitive Dobble that we all know and love, trying to find the matching symbol from the five images on the cards (there will always be one match), it is also an excellent game for encouraging quick thinking and sharp observation skills, as well as promoting movement and exercise.
It is a much more physical game than standard Dobble as you are not just sitting around a table, you do have to move and at times, run / jog (just be careful of any wind as you might just be going for a longer run than you thought if the wind catches a card just right). Whether you play it in the garden, park, beach or your living room, it’s a fantastic way to engage players of all ages. The four different game modes ensure variety, preventing the game from becoming repetitive.
The cards are a good size with large clear images. They are thick and durable and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth after use (although it is best not to use them on already wet ground, they are just cardboard after all).
You do need a good bit of space to lay out the cards on the ground and distance them out for good game play. Players do not stand on the cards, they have their feet either side of the cards.
Giant Dobble is a fantastic addition to any outdoor game collection. It takes the fast-paced, competitive nature of the original game and amplifies the gameplay and fun with its larger cards and physical movement. Whether you’re playing at a garden party, a picnic, or a family game night, Giant Dobble guarantees laughter, excitement, and friendly competition.
We loved playing it. The gameplay is similar to that of traditional Dobble and the four game modes make it a fun and interesting physical game to play. It takes the fun of the classic Dobble to the next level. If you love Dobble and want to take it up a notch, supersize it with Giant Dobble and hit the outside spaces to play. Liven up your summer and take your gaming out into the fresh air (and don’t forget your sun protection – sun cream and hat).
Giant Dobble is a chaotic, fun game that is absolutely perfect for the garden with lots of energy and laughter. Simple to learn and play.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £23.99
Available to buy from Amazon here.
