I had the chance to interview Gary Gabrel in my job as a disc jockey in 1983. I was given a copy of the game in the red tube. I recently dug it out for some teenagers to play and they are hooked. (What stands out most about my interview was Gabrel came in the studio smelling like he'd been smoking something other than tobacco.)

The game is great. I had no trouble teaching the basics to these kids. Then it was fun to watch them as they learned the fine points and developed their own strategies. Oh, and I found Gabrel's business card in the tube along with the green and yellow runes and the directions.

I have played this game since the 1980's. It has traded hands since its original rolled vinyl in a tube days, but it is still a quick, fun, abstact game that is colorful and well presented. While experts have analyzed the fun out of the original version, several variations have expanded its depth.

My only negative remark is the genre. Abstract games which rely on skill tend to reward the veteran and scare away the beginner. There are methods of handicapping, but I don't think they help.

Still it is a must for every gamer's library.