Jishaku

Gaming Gets Magnetic

Jishaku is Japanese for magnet, and that’s what this game is all about. You’ll find one “force field” game base and 18 magnetic hematite stones with which to play. Simple, right? Yes and no. While there are three different versions of gameplay, all of them hinge on understanding and leveraging the attracting and repelling powers of the magnets. The goal is to either stick magnets together or prevent the same, depending on which game you’re playing. But the smooth hematite playing pieces aren’t labeled in any way, so you’ll just have to feel the pull of the pieces, aligning magnets to your advantage if you can.

Inventor Steve Velte was inspired to create Jishaku after he and his daughters noticed that their magnetic hematite stones reacted differently depending on where and how they were placed, and how close they were to each other. When several magnets “flew” together, the Jishaku concept began to take shape. A big part of the fun is the unpredictability of the game. Magnets jump out of position, without warning. So be prepared for some surprises.

Jishaku is a game of simple rules that invites potentially complex strategizing. It can be played with one or more players, and although it’s recommended for ages 14 and up, we had success playing with kids as young as 9. We’re sensing… a unique gift that will pull you into hours of gaming fun.

— Mir

• Jishaku Board Game
  • Contents: 18 magnetic stones & storage bag, force field game base, instructions
• Classic Wood Version Jishaku
  • Contents: 18 magnetic stones, wood force field game base, instructions