How it plays
The die shows 1 to 4 dots or a ghost. Dots move a player’s own wooden figure up the corresponding number of steps. When the ghost is rolled, a wooden ghost is placed over any figure: it clings magnetically and hides the figure. A player whose figure has been transformed moves the ghost under which they think it is hiding. Once all the figures have been transformed, whoever rolls a ghost swaps two ghosts of their choice. When the first ghost reaches the top, it is turned upside down: whoever’s figure is underneath wins.
What it can help develop
At its core is working memory: children remember which ghost their figure is under and update this when that ghost is moved or swapped, including on other players’ turns. Looking underneath is not allowed. Anyone who looks away during a swap loses track; focused, sustained attention is called for. And because a swap can overturn any lead, coping with setbacks is part of it too.
Especially suitable for
- Children from age 4 who enjoy surprises
- A first memory game with figures instead of cards
- Mixed-age groups thanks to a variant for older children
Less suitable for
- Children who want demanding tactics
- Children who quickly switch off after losing track
Our verdict
Spooky Stairs is a worthwhile choice for families with children from age 4 who are looking for a first memory game. Even four-year-olds understand the basic rule, the wooden ghosts with magnets go down well, and a swap can overturn any lead. Its limitations are the low tactical demand and, according to one review, an appeal that drops as soon as a child loses sight of their figure.
Getting started
- Watch closely when the ghosts are swapped, because anyone who looks away loses track.
- Agree clearly before the first roll that looking underneath is strictly forbidden.
In detail
Variants and player count
According to the German Wikipedia, the game by Michelle Schanen was published by Drei Magier Spiele in 2003. According to the 2020 rules, the current edition includes a board measuring 51 by 51 cm, four ghost figures and four children’s figures made of wood, four wooden colour marker discs and a special die. According to the rules, games with two or three players use neutral ghosts. The variant for older children optionally allows two colour discs to be swapped, so that the corresponding ghosts change owners.
What reviewers say
Spooky Stairs was voted Kinderspiel des Jahres in 2004. According to the jury, even four-year-olds cope well with the basic rule, and the jury praises the wooden ghosts with magnets. According to Wikipedia, it was also named best children’s game in Japan (2004), Finland (2005) and Sweden (2006). Reich der Spiele (2005) praises the wooden figures with large cloaks and a magnetic connection and finds the game exciting because players concentrate on their own figure. On the critical side, the review notes that the appeal drops sharply once players have lost sight of their own figure, and that the game does not quite live up to its components.
How it compares
My First BrainBox (from age 4, 1 or more people, about 10 minutes) shares the age and the skill area of memory with Spooky Stairs; the profile of My First BrainBox also includes perception and speed. My First Stone Age (from age 5, 2 to 4 people, about 15 minutes) shares the skill area of memory with Spooky Stairs and also calls on working memory, including remembering the other players’ moves, plus early planning. My First Stone Age suits mixed groups in which children keep up when it comes to remembering. From age 4, Spooky Stairs is a first memory game with figures instead of cards and, thanks to the variant for older children, also works for mixed-age groups.
Sources
- Schmidt Spiele: Geistertreppe rules, 2020 (PDF)
- Schmidt Spiele: Geistertreppe (product page, in German)
- Spiel des Jahres: Geistertreppe (jury, in German)
- Wikipedia (German): Kinderspiel des Jahres
- Wikipedia (German): Geistertreppe
- Japan Boardgame Prize 2004
- Wikipedia (Finnish): Vuoden peli
- Wikipedia (Swedish): Årets spel
- Reich der Spiele: review (in German)
Frequently asked questions
What age is Spooky Stairs suitable for?
Spooky Stairs is recommended from age 4, and according to the jury even four-year-olds master the basic rule. A child who likes surprises is ready. Anyone who gives up quickly when they lose track, or who wants demanding tactics, is better off elsewhere.
How long does a game take and how many people can play?
A game takes about 15 minutes, and the game is for 2 to 4 people, who play against each other. Whoever’s figure is hidden in the first ghost to reach the top space wins; the short playing time allows another game straight away.
What skills can Spooky Stairs help develop?
It can help develop memory: each child keeps in mind which ghost their figure is in and keeps track of this as ghosts are moved or swapped, including on other players’ turns. This demands constant attention.
Is there a variant for older children?
Yes, the instructions describe a variant: instead of two ghosts, two colour discs can be swapped, which makes the corresponding ghosts change owners. This makes the game suitable for mixed-age groups too.
