Jishaku is a game of dexterity, chance, patience, and strategy that can be played with one or more players. It is almost like magnetic pick-up-sticks, except rather than picking up sticks, you are laying down rocks. The game box contains 18 magnetic hematite rocks of varying shapes and slight variance of size in a cloth pouch, a rectangular tray, and a piece of foam that resembles an egg crate foam pad with either 23 or 24 holes in it. There are several ways to play this game, depending on the level of challenge desired as well as the number of players. Instructions for four different games are included.

Ultimately, Jishaku is a simple yet challenging game. Each time a magnet is placed, it has an effect on the other magnets nearby and can cause them to jump out of their holes or otherwise dislodge and stick together. By utilizing the magnetic polarity of the various magnets, a player can place magnets in such a way to force a different player to trigger the magnetic response. My son's favorite way to play is the solitaire challenge of getting all the rocks into the board without them jumping out of the holes. It takes patience and skill.

Jishaku is a fun game for all ages, but due to the small magnets and choking issues, the box lists the game for 14 and up. The biggest con of this game is keeping it away from the toddler -- she wants to play too and not just because it has small parts! This game is a fun tool to teach magnetism, forces, and mathematical strategy. We love playing this game, and I am sure you will too. Have fun!