This game uses several elements that kids usually see separately: A colorful game board, two sets of playing cards and colored checker-sized chips. In Sequence, they put all this stuff to use, by drawing cards and placing chips on corresponding spaces on the board. Five in a row, whether up, down, sideways, or diagonal, makes a "sequence"; the one with the most successful sequences wins the game. Kids will like the cool colors and playing cards; you'll like the support for logic and mathematical thinking. This game is original: the inventors have managed to take classic old traditions and update them in a fun, upbeat way. Just plan to set aside twenty minutes or so the first few times to help your kid get launched. (Jax, 2-12 players, $19.99)