Kabuto Sumo is the dexterity game that surprised me... frankly because I typically don't enjoy dexterity games. In this video, I break down what makes Kabuto Sumo stand out for families and why it’s become a favorite at our table.

Kabuto Sumo is a fast-playing, accessible dexterity game where you’re a sumo beetle pushing opponents off a log—or trying to outlast them by keeping your pieces in play. I was initially skeptical, but the dual win conditions and the incentive to play offensively won me over. There’s a “junior league” for younger kids, but the standard rules let you use special beetle powers to bring some more decision making into the game. If you’ve played games like Jenga, you’ll find its simple play familiar but with a LOT more interesting theme.

In our playthrough, my 8-year-old (usually a co-op-only player because he struggles with losing) surprised me by embracing the competition, and my 5-year-old couldn’t stop giggling every time his beetle wobbled near the edge. It’s tense, it’s funny, and it keeps everyone engaged.

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