Early Bird
Race to get rid of numbered bird-food cards while worms, squirrels, and foxes shake up the game. Quick rounds, real strategy, and plenty of surprises.
$21.99
Quantity:
2026 Second-Grade Curriculum Kit
Early Bird
Just when your child thinks victory is within reach, a squirrel changes everything. Early Bird Game has players racing to empty their hands of numbered bird-food cards while surprise twists keep the lead changing until the very end.
The goal is simple: be the first player to play every card in your hand. On each turn, players match and play numbered bird-food cards, but special squirrel, worm, and birdhouse cards can suddenly change the direction of the game. A strong lead can disappear in a single turn, keeping everyone engaged until the last card is played.
The rules are easy for young children to learn, and the quick rounds make it easy to play again. Because no one stays comfortably ahead for long, every turn matters, and every player remains involved.
Along the way, children practice number recognition, taking turns, strategic thinking, and adapting to changing situations as they decide when to play special cards and when to save them for later.
With its mix of simple gameplay, playful surprises, and fast-paced rounds, Early Bird Game is the kind of family game that keeps everyone hoping the next card will be the one that changes everything.
How to Use the Early Bird Game
- Deal seven cards to each player, place the remaining cards in a draw pile, and keep the squishy worm within reach. Everyone plays at the same time, so there's no waiting for turns.
- Flip the first card and call out the starting direction. From there, players race to play one card at a time that is either one number higher or the same number, which changes the direction of play.
- Stay alert for challenge cards. Birdhouses, squirrels, worms, and other surprises interrupt the action with quick activities before the winner restarts play and chooses the new direction.
- If no one can play a card, everyone draws one from the pile, and a new starting card is flipped. The game quickly gets moving again, so no one stays stuck for long.
- The first player to empty his hand wins the round. Shuffle, deal, and play again—fast rounds and changing challenges make it easy to fit in "just one more game."
Publisher: Hootenanny Games
Format: Card game
Players: 2–6
Playing Time: 15 minutes
Age Recommendation: 7+
Award: 2025 Parents Best Toys Award
