For Christmas, my kids received the game Kerplunk. Some may remember this game from their childhood, and yes, it is still around! Our box says that kids have been playing Kerplunk since 1968. It is intended for ages 5 and up, and for 2-4 players.


What it comes with:

In the box you will find a game base, top and bottom tubes, sticks and marbles.

Setting up the game:

The tubes are easily connected together. There is a hole in the top of one tube, a section in the middle with many holes, and the bottom tube that has an opening in the side of the bottom. When connected together, these get placed in the center of the game base.

The next step is to insert the multi-colored sticks through the series of holes in the middle of the tube. The sticks look like a game that some may also remember from the past – Pick-up Sticks. The sticks can be inserted in any manner. The goal is to crisscross at different angles. After the sticks are all in, the marbles with be poured in through the hole in the top. The sticks will restrain the marbles from falling through the tube to the bottom. Placing the sticks in the holes should be simple. The problem that always occurs arises from the fact that the sticks are very smooth. There is nothing to grip the sticks in the holes of the tube. The sticks are constantly falling out while setting up the game. My kids normally will ask me to set up the game since the sticks fall out so frequently.

Playing Kerplunk:

Once the game is set up, you game begin to play. Players take turns removing the sticks one by one. The goal is to remove the sticks without letting the marbles fall. After each turn, the tube in the base so that if you cause any marbles to fall, they will drop into your section of the base. You don’t want to be the one to end up with the most marbles!

Our Experience

My kids enjoy playing Kerplunk together. They haven’t seemed to catch on yet that there is a bit of planning and skill that can be involved. They will randomly pull out the sticks. Sometimes I try to be strategic when I take a stick. But you never know – trying to be strategic can backfire! It is often just a game of chance.

Setting up the sticks can be annoying. I’ll put one in only to watch another slide out. Other than that the set up is pretty simple. The tubes are a clear plastic that should hold up OK. I think if someone were to accidentally step on a part of the tube it just may crack.

Games can be fast. A whole game can go quickly so the kids often play several times before putting it away.  Kerplunk has been around for many years, and the reason is that it is fun. So go back to your childhood and play a game of Kerplunk with your kids!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): gift