Toot and Otto™, a New ThinkFun® Game for Kids, Wins the Oppenheim Gold Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 17, 2005 – ThinkFun® Inc., the leading producer of mind challenging games, is pleased to announce that Toot and Otto™, a new two player strategy game for younger kids, has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio’s Gold Award. The independent consumer organization gave Toot and Otto high marks for being educational, engaging and entertaining.

“Parents that tested Toot and Otto loved that the game called for problem solving skills and patience. The most important feedback from our kid testers was “let’s play again!” noted Stephanie Oppenheim, publisher and co-founder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. “Families are looking for games as a way of connecting with their kids, and Toot and Otto is one of the year’s best entries that we have reviewed.”
Designed for Ages 4-8, Toot and Otto™ is an ideal beginner strategy game that can be played both cooperatively and competitively. The goal of each game play is to spell the words “Toot” or “Otto.” In the cooperative version, players attempt to spell the words as many times and ways as possible. In the competitive version, players work against each other to spell either Toot or Otto by dropping letter tiles down the chutes of the vertical game board. In the competitive version players have to focus on their opponents moves as well as their own moves as blocking and other tactics come in to play. Since Toot and Otto are palindromes, spelling the words is easy for young minds and allows the players to focus on building critical thinking and strategy development skills.
“We’re honored to be recognized by such a respected organization within the toy and game industry as the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio,” said Bill Ritchie, Founder and President of ThinkFun. “The Oppenheim Gold Award validates our belief that Toot and Otto is a game with great play value and strong educational benefits.”
Toot and Otto has a suggested retail price of $9.99 and is available at specialty toy and game stores nationwide. It can also be purchased online at www.ThinkFun.com [1].

About ThinkFun
ThinkFun, Inc., located in Alexandria, VA, is the leading creator of mind challenging games. Since 1985, the company has produced award winning games such as Rush Hour®, River Crossing®, and Aha! Brainteaser Classics™. Kids and adults alike look to ThinkFun to create hands-on, thought-provoking games that provide hours of fun-filled challenges. ThinkFun is committed to high-quality, innovative games that help people of all ages develop thinking skills through play. To learn more, please visit www.ThinkFun.com [2].