AWARDS, REVIEWS & FAQ'S

AWARDS

"A fabulous resource to entertain after-school children"

Katamino; Basic was awarded a bronze in the Practical Pre-School Awards 2005. Practical Pre-School is the monthly magazine for anyone involved with the Foundation Stage, and includes news, reviews, activities, posters and support for management and professional development.

Coiledspring also won a Silver for Big Top, the colourful circus game from Gamewright.

Katamino; Basic was 'highly recommended' by the testers in the 2005 NATLL Good Toy Awards, and then went on to win the Silver Medal in the Puzzles category. The award ceremony took place at the Headquarters of the Magic Circle in London, with the great and good of the toy industry gathering together to honour the best toys and games of 2005. The awards are the most prestigious in the UK and are run by the National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries.

REVIEWS

"Children of all abilities can use them. They certainly provide the level of challenge to inspire and motivate more able children."

The Association of Teachers of Mathematics [ATM] have reviewed Katamino. Read the full article.

Download the Uses of Katamino and Pentominoes at Key Stage Two by Ruth Tomsett at Brunel University [opens in new window].

FAQ'S

What age is Katamino suitable for?

Because the puzzle can be graduated in difficulty level, Katamino is suitable for ages 5 and above, but keeps the attention and enjoyment right up to 95 and beyond.

What general skills does Katamino enhance?

As well as being a satisfying patience game, Katamino is particularly good for improving manual dexterity, spatial awareness and logical reasoning.

Where did the Katamino puzzleboard come from?

The Katamino puzzleboard was invented after Andre Perriolat brought his son a set of wooden pentominoes for Christmas and a wooden rectangle to fit them into. After a few hours of studious dedication the son managed to put the pentominoes into the rectangle and resumed watching TV. In order to get better value for money, Mr Perriolat challenged his son to make a 5x4 rectangle. Having completed this, Mr Perriolat then challenged his son to make a 5x5 rectangle, then a 5x6, then 5x7 and so on. Katamino was born.

Where can I get hold of a copy of Katamino from?

There is a list of stockists, and online shops on this site.

Where can I get the solutions?

That's cheating! However, if you really must have the solutions to the "Grand Chelem", then click here.

What are pentominoes?

Pentominoes; the name given to the 12 shapes that can be made by 'properly' joining 5 squares together. There are only 12, and they are all unique.

Where did the name 'Pentominoes' come from?

In 1953 Solomon W Golomb first introduced their names and outlined their possibilities to mathematicians. (Source: Exeter University)

What size are the pieces?

The plastic pentominoes in Katamino; Basic are made up of squares that are 20mm x 20mm. For example pentomino No.1 {the straight piece} is 100mm long and 20mm wide.

The natural wooden pentominoes in Katamino; Luxe are made up from cubes that are 20mm x 20mm x 20mm. For example pentomino No.1 {the straight piece} is 100mm long, 20mm wide and 20mm high.

Children and adults who do not have the manual dexterity for standard jigsaw puzzles should easily be able to grasp and manipulate the individual pentominoes. We recommmend that Katamino should not be played by children under 4/5 years of age.

Any hints for playing the game?

Just one: Try and create a space that only one of your pieces will fit. That way you know you can always play that piece.