Pirates seem to be a little bit of a fascination for The Boy at the moment, and so I was pleased to receive this pirate memory game from Orchard Toys to try out with him.
Yo Ho Ho is a very simple and traditional memory game, along the lines of 'pairs', with players turning over two face-down cards at a time to try and match a 'pair'. Designed for 2-4 players and for children aged 4-8 years, but I'd say that children younger than four could play it easily, and likewise older children. The added twist to the game which can be included for older players is that if a pirate flag is turned over, then that player can do a dastardly deed and pilfer the cards from another player's treasure pile.
At present we haven't added this rule into the game, but we do have great fun playing it as a simple pairs game. There are actually four cards of each design, which helps increase the chances of younger children finding a pair. The illustrations are trademark Orchard Toys; bright and colourful, fun characterisations of familiar figures.
The educational guide states that Yo Ho Ho has been designed to:
- encourage observation, memory and language skills
- develop personal and social skills
- link with Early Learning Goals and National Curriculum Key Stage 1
In addition to the above, I'd say it is also great for:
- oracy – it encourages discussion, and can even lead to storytelling if they are used in the same way that story stones are;
- drama – role play either with small world toys or with costumes and re-enacting the scene;
- geography – looking at pirate maps as an extension activity.
Yo Ho Ho is available to buy from Orchard Toys directly for £7.50. A fantastic, traditional and quick game for all ages.
However, the very lovely folk there are offering a copy of this game to one reader of TheBoyandMe. Simply fill in the Rafflecopter form below to be in with a chance of winning.
I was sent this product for the purpose of this review, my opinion is honest and unbiased.

Blue Scarf the Pirate
My Pirate name would be Calico Alison Slackbeard
jack blackbeard piratous
Tracy the Terror!
Jenny the red beard
Jimbo Pirate
Pirate Patcher
Cap-n Lollzz
Captain Lola, the baddest on the seven seas!!
Black Beard
bella
purple bellied pirate x
Angry Al
Peg-Leg Polly
scotty the snotty
Frankie the fearless.
The Wily Welsh One.
I'd definitely be the ship's cook – so maybe Cook Whine?
happy harry
Captain Mum!
LongJohn Beky
Jack the Terror
Sam the Smudger!
Captain English
Long John Mummy
captian milf lol
little red gecko
Apparently my pirate name would be Captain Mary Rackham – I did a quiz to find it! Personally I'd be known as a Long John Cupcake.
The jolly Roger Julie
Samson swashman
captain conker
Pirate Impy
Androgynous Hillary Grimm
Cunning Katie Cruel
Captain mardybum
Captain Fabulous 🙂
one eyed walters
Kat big bum
leg shuffle stirling
Pirate K of Killer Cove
Emerald Em 🙂
Pirate limp
Pirate Grizzle
Captain Catman
Captain sugar & Spice
capital mummo of the 7 seas
Grace O'Malley
Salty Sea Dog Sam
The plum crusader
Mrs Jack Sparrow x lol
captain pyper
Captain Emelia – according to Leo, just asked him what he thought it should be!
Newton the nasty
Captain Cleanup
Jolly Jules 🙂
Captain Stubbs
Peg Leg Pip
The Emerald Swashbuckler
Captain Coffee
Kirsty the Killer! x
Old Sea legs Lyney
dagger wilson
oldy julie wooly
Wicked Mamma
I would be Terrifying Tas Pirate Lady!!
Leg less x
melissa one eye
Perna de Pau
Captain booram
Polly Sue
Nelson "One-Legged" Scar
Captain downwood
Jack Sparrow
captain angular
mamma peggle
Captain jelly belly :/
Captain All seeing Eye … ( yes I know what your doing when I'm not even there kids! )
Moaning Minnie 🙂
Terror Tammy of the Sea!
anchor anna!
The Bearded One
Captain Nobeard
Pirate Redhair 🙂
One eyed Peggy
Looting Lucy
Looks like a fab game. We have Shopping Trolly another Orchard Toy memory game. My boys love this too. Also my younger is 3 he can play (and wins)
Captain pussycat!
Captain Long legs!
Pirate Liza the Hatless
Ahoy Alfonza
Robyn Rum Aye
Captain Torture
shiver me timbers cheryl
buckadeer esme
Long John Luke Joe
Ahoy There Claire!
Entering for my boy, so his name would be ChAAAAARRRRlie!!! Ooo Aaar!
Jolly Hollie Ye Old Dollie
Mad Mark
Cutthroat Kelly
Captain Armless
Jack jolly roger
Dangerous Di
Mad hatter!
Blue Scarf the Pirate
Diane Black Bones
One Eyed Arry
Iggy the dagger
Pinkahoy
Raging Rache
Old Skunk
Jolly Jack Toothless
Captain Sally Slowcoach
Lucy the Looter
Ferg the ferocious
Captain Jolly J
Captain Curly