This is a great game for adults and children alike, and it's addictive! The rules are simple, but the strategies are endless.

Cathedral appeals to strategy game players (Risk, Twixt, etc.) as well as those of us who are helpless non-strategists! And our 8-year-old enjoyed it as much as the grown-ups did.

We are very pleased with the polystone edition which we chose after reading that the wooden pieces break somewhat easily. At first glance it does seem that the two colors are difficult to distingush, but after you've played once or twice, you get used to it and it's not a problem.

We like this game so much, we are ordering two more sets to give as gifts.

Enjoy!

Positives: The layout is georgeous. Easy choice for a display game. The rules are basic, with few possibilities of misunderstanding. The variety of strategy and gameplay mimics that of the nigh-incomparable Chess.

Negatives: High price. Not for those younger, penny-watching college students. (Hint: Christmas present, worked for me!)

Verdict: What do you mean, you don't own it yet? Do you mean you keep borrowing a set from a friend? I would splurge and get the wooden or polystone set, both are extremely nice sets. The plastic set should be discarded or hidden until dire, Cathedral-withdrawal related emergencies.

Five minutes to learn, ten to play, and a blast to play over and over again.

Just when you think you think you're getting the hang of the strategy, your previously vanquished opponent crushes you. Mistakes are devastating, but at least it's over quickly!