Tummy Ache

While returning from our camping trip (more camping games to come, just wanted to mix some good with the bad), we made a stop at the grandparents’ place and delved into their board game collection. After sifting through three copies of Monopoly and a Cluedo set older than me, we stumbled upon…

Game 36 of the “Bailey Family Summer 2023 Board Game Bonanza” is “Tummy Ache,” played by Jack (8.) and myself.

Now, I’m aware that some people out there enjoy them, but I’m definitely not a fan of Orchard Toys games. They consistently lack substantial gameplay, and every single one I’ve played has been incredibly dull. Given the array of excellent games available for young children from companies like HABA, Gamewright and Loki, I would always recommend even the worst HABA game over any Orchard Toys game I’ve encountered.

As a teacher myself, another thing that irks me is the “teacher-tested” logo on the front of these boxes. I’m genuinely curious about the criteria under which these games were tested and what the teachers involved thought.

Nonetheless, we decided to give “Tummy Ache” a shot due to repeated claims that this one is, and I quote, “actually good.” With an open mind, I approached the game, hoping for an experience at least on par with a mid-level HABA release.

The basic premise involves each player having a board featuring a drink, a dessert, and three items on their plate. All cards are placed face down on the table, with some depicting tasty food while others show less appealing items like insects and slime.

Initially, I assumed this might be a matching or memory game. However, after reading the rules, it became evident that there isn’t much of a game here. Essentially, you flip over a card – if it displays a food item, you place it in the corresponding spot on your board; if it’s a “Tummy Ache” card, all players shout “Tummy Ache,” and you place it where it should have gone.

But you might wonder – what are the rules for receiving a “Tummy Ache” card? What are the penalties, and how does it impact gameplay? The answer is: it doesn’t. When you turn over a nice card on your next turn, you simply replace the “Tummy Ache” card with it, without any penalty or mechanic.

The winner is the first person to place all five items on their plate.

In reality, there’s no genuine game element here. It’s akin to flipping a coin and seeing who wins, as there’s no way to predict the card placements and the “Tummy Ache” cards lack meaningful consequences until five nice cards are revealed.

Don’t get me wrong; I could understand a very young three-year-old enjoying this as an introduction to basic game concepts like flipping cards and matching tiles. However, considering the box states it’s suitable for ages three to seven, it’s highly unlikely any child with even the most basic understanding of games would find this enjoyable.

If anyone can point me toward an Orchard Toys game with a hint of actual gameplay involving decision-making, risk-reward elements, logic, and reasoning, I’d be interested to know. Naturally, as our friends are aware of our love for board games, we often receive these as birthday gifts. I always feel guilty knowing that most of them will never be played and usually end up donated to the local charity shop. Nevertheless, I’m genuinely proud of my boys; they consistently show gratitude, say thank you, and light up with smiles whenever they receive them.

Mae Funnell hit the nose on the head that these are mostly “Educational Toys not Games”

So, apologies for the slightly negative tone in today’s post. We have some fantastic content lined up for the next few days and will likely need to do a few double posts to cover everything, including reviews of “Mind Bug,” “Honeycombs,” “Minecraft Magnetic Travel Puzzle,” “Minecraft Uno,” and even the “Dad’s Army Board Game”… Yes, you read that correctly!