Razzle Dazzle

When we first heard rumors about an exciting new game called Razzle Dazzle we thought we'd need to put our shades on to play it. After all, with a name like that you'd expect a bit of glitz and glamour. So imagine our surprise when we clapped eyes on a no-frills wooden board game; no buzzers, no lights, no beeps - not even a few obligatory sequins! How terribly un-Firebox, we hear you yell!

Thankfully, a quick round of this fast-paced game of strategy was all it took to remind us that truly great board games require none of the above, because Razzle Dazzle shines in a way only the classics, or soon to be classics, can. Besides, a glance in the dictionary reveals that the term Razzle Dazzle actually describes 'elaborate actions designed to deceive an opponent'. And that sums up the gameplay of this fiendishly compelling 2-player game to perfection.

Razzle Dazzle consists of a checkers-style playing board, 10 wooden blocks (5 light and 5 dark) and two little marbles. The idea is to maneuver your marble to the opposite end of the board before your opponent, using your blocks to pass and obstruct. It's a bit like basketball minus the bling-clad beanpoles.

Your marble can be moved in any direction, but the blocks must be moved like knights on a chessboard. With marbles being passed backward, forward, over and around, Razzle Dazzle becomes a skill-fest of offense and defense that's so addictive you'll wonder why nobody thought of the concept years ago. It feels like a classic the minute you start playing.

Perfect for a quick game or a marathon matchplay session, we reckon Razzle Dazzle could soon be as well-known and adored as checkers and tic-tac-toe. So go on, give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle. It won't make you a star, but it'll keep you gripped for hours on end.