Toma Todo

Toma Todo

Toma Todo is a traditional Mexican game that has been played by children and grown-ups throughout Mexico for generations. This hand-crafted is a wood six sided Mexican toy. The six-sided top is called a Pirinola. Instructions are provided in each side.

'Toma Todo' means take it all in Spanish and that is exactly what you need to do - take the jackpot! It can be played by two or more players. This game does not need any skills, it simply depends on your luck. It can also be a good practice with Spanish verbs "tomar" and "poner", especially with children.

Here's what each side means:

Todos ponen - everyone places a coin
Pon 1 - place one
Pon 2 - place two
Toma 1 - take one
Toma 2 - take two
Toma Todo - you win the jackpot!!! 

To Start: Each person should have ten chips or counters. Each player puts two chips in the center, called the "pot."

To Play: Take turns spinning the Pirinola once each. When it comes to rest, read aloud the instructions on the highest part of the top. The player may be told to take one or two or all the chips from the pot. Or the player may have to put one or two chips into the pot. "Todos Ponen" means that every player places two chips into the pot. When only one or two chips remain in the pot, every player places two chips into the pot.

To Finish: Decide before you start how many rounds you will play. A player who does not have enough chips to play drops out of the game. The winner is the person with the most chips at the end of the game.

 You can also make your own Toma Todo by printing or drawing it on a cardboard. Poke a hole at the centre and stuff it with a pencil, so that, you can spin it as well.