Umbala is a fun card game that reimagines classic bingo with a whole new twist. It takes the familiar matching logic of traditional bingo and adds strategic set-building, card-passing to opponents, and surprise turns with special cards. Designed for 3 to 8 players and suitable for ages 4 to 99, Umbala brings excitement to every draw. In the surprise-filled world of Umbala, each card pulled delivers a fresh thrill!
add_action('wp_footer', function() {
echo '';
});
The Benefits of the Game
For Children:
- Color Recognition and Differentiation: Children naturally learn to identify and distinguish basic colors through play.
- Shape Perception Development: Helps children recognize and categorize different geometric shapes.
- Visual Processing Speed: Improves the ability to quickly identify and match cards, enhancing visual processing.
- Classification Skills: Sorting by color and shape supports foundational mathematical thinking.
- A fun activity that bridges generations
- Strengthens family bonds
- Encourages social interaction
- Boosts mental alertness and quick thinking
- Creates a joyful competitive environment
The Box Contents
-
- 30 draw cards (square-shaped)
- 72 player cards (rectangular-shaped)
How to Play?
Role of the Umbala Master
- Draws the top card from the draw pile each round.
- Announces the card’s color first, then its shape out loud.
- Places the card face-up in front of them.
- Players track drawn cards from this display.
- When the Umbala Master draws a card, players may discard matching cards from their hand.
- Players compare newly drawn cards with the Umbala Master’s display and discard if they match.
- Color Set (“Color!”)
- If a player collects 3 cards of the same color face-up in front of them,
- They shout “Color!” or the color of the set (e.g. green, red etc.)
- They give 1 card of their choice to any player.
- Shape Set (“Shape!”)
- If a player collects 3 cards of the same shape (colors may vary),
- They shout “Shape!” or the shape of the set (e.g. heart, square etc.)
- They discard 2 cards (either both to one player or one to two different players).
- When the Umbala Master draws a card:
- If you have a matching card, place it face-up in front of you.
- If this new card completes a set (3 of same color or shape), you may immediately declare it.
- When you receive a new card:
- Check for matches with previously drawn cards in the Umbala Master’s display.
- If matched, place it face-up in front of you.
- If it completes a set, declare it immediately.
- They shout “Umbalaa!”
- They win the game instantly, even if they still have cards in hand.
- The Umbala Master deals 1 extra card to every player.
- The Umbala Master gives 2 cards only to the last player who made a color or shape set.
- Starting with the youngest player, each player asks the person to their left for a card of a specific color.
- If the requested color isn’t available, any card may be given instead.
- Normal win: Get rid of all your cards and shout “Umbalaa!”
- Instant win: Reveal three cards that match in both color and shape (Super Set).
