Ghost Blitz: Game Rules for Ages 5 to 12

Guess what? I’m so excited! Today, I’m finally going on a date with Brunhild, the lady ghost from the bathroom. I can’t wait! I’ve been wondering what to wear and which scent to use. I’ve picked out a stylish hat, got my favorite perfume ready, and don’t forget my key. But oh dear, Owlina and Batrick, those two troublemakers, are making a huge mess right now.

But you know what’s important? We must stay calm and not get all worked up! Maybe if I use this flashlight, I’ll be able to see things more clearly. Oh no, I just looked at the clock and it’s almost 12 o’clock!

There are nine different items to choose from, and we both need to grab the right one. The mirror keeps showing us items, shouting out their colors and the time of day. It’s a race against the clock, but we have to keep our cool. Do you think we can do it?

Components

• 9 Items
• 63 Playing Cards

Setup

First, I want you to place the nine items in a circle on the table. Remember, make sure they’re arranged in a circle! Then, shuffle the cards really well and put them aside as a face-down draw pile.

Game Play

Alright, here’s how we play: The person who looked into a mirror last takes a card from the draw pile and flips it over. Make sure everyone can see the card at the same time. Now, using just one hand, we all try to grab the item that’s shown in its original color on the card. The catch is, you gotta be SUPER fast! Let’s say the card shows a blue flashlight, like you see in figure 1. Try to grab it as quickly as you can!

What should you do if there isn’t an item in its original color? Well, in that case, you can choose the one item that stands out from the rest. Look for the item that isn’t shown in its original color on the card either (see fig. 2).

Example: I’m going to explain how to play the GHOST game. Pay close attention, because it can be a bit confusing!

Age Range: 5 to 12 years old

If you see a card that has both the GHOST and the CLOCK, don’t grab anything. Instead, shout out the time shown on the CLOCK. Take a look at figure 3 to see what I mean.

Let’s play the game! Look at the card carefully and find the ghost and the clock. Once you do, shout out the time displayed, like “5 to 12!”

If you guessed right, you earn a reward! Place the card face down in front of you. Return any items you grabbed back to the circle on the table. Now it’s the next player’s turn – they pick a card from the draw pile and show it to everyone. Keep playing like this!

Note: If you only want to follow the basic rules, you can skip to page 10.

More exciting rules for advanced players

For those who want an extra challenge, try any of these additional rules, all mixed up!

Rule 1: Backwards Items

If you spot something in the mirror, go ahead and grab it (see fig. 4). The color doesn’t matter in this situation.

Example: When you look in the mirror, you need to quickly grab the hat before it disappears.

Owlina, the Talking Owl

If you see the picture of an owl on the card, don’t grab anything. Instead, shout out the correct item. Look at figures 5 and 6 to see the examples.

A Fun Pair: Mirror and Owl, A Tale of Colors

Hey there! Let me share an interesting secret about the Mirror and the Owl. Did you know that when they appear together on a card, things are not as they seem? Instead of grabbing something, here’s what you should do – get ready to shout out the color of the item you see in the Mirror! Take a look at figures 7 and 8 to see how it works.

Heads up!

Here’s something to keep in mind:

• If you accidentally grab the wrong item
• If you scream out when you should have grabbed something
• If you grab something instead of shouting
• If you shout out the wrong word
• If you grab an item and shout at the same time

Ending the Game

The game comes to a close when you’ve used up all the cards in the draw pile. The player who has collected the most reward cards emerges as the winner.