In this tactical board game played on a 6×6 grid, the goal is to line up three cats of the same colour (small or large) horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Cats can “bounce”: small cats may only push other small ones, while large cats can move any other cat—provided the square behind them (in the same direction) is empty.
When a trio of small cats is formed, they are removed from the board and replaced—one by one—by large cats from the same player.
The final goal is to create a line of three large cats of the same colour.
Skill focus
Primary Skill Focus
- Resilience
Complementary/Secondary Skill Focus
- Emotional awareness, regulation and communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Curiosity, sense of wonder and openness
- Empathy
| Age group | Student number | Duration |
| 6+ | whole class / in pair (2 children) | 10-15 minutes |
How to play – brief game rules
- Each player chooses a colour and places 8 small cats in front of them. The 8 large cats of the same colour are kept in a separate pile.
- The starting player places one small cat on any empty square of the board.
- Players take turns placing small cats on empty squares.
If any of the eight neighbouring spaces is already occupied by another cat, and the square directly behind it (in the same direction) is free, the cat “bounces” to that space.
- When three small cats of the same colour form a line, they are removed from the board. Later, three large cats will enter the game in their place, one at a time.
- Large cats can push any other cat, while small cats may only move other small ones. It is allowed to move one’s own cats as well as the opponent’s.
- The game ends when a player forms a line of three large cats or successfully places all 8 large cats on the board. That player wins the game.