Take 5

1994

Dive into the exciting world of 6 nimmt! A game of strategy and luck, where players aim for the lowest score by strategically playing their cards. Perfect for 2-10 players!

45
minutes

2 - 10
player(s)

Medium Light

About the game

Welcome to the exciting world of ‘Take 5’, a thrilling board game that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. This game is all about strategy, risk-taking, and, of course, fun.

‘Take 5’ is set in a hypothetical world where players are dealt a hand of cards, and their goal is to avoid taking certain cards that could cost them points. The game’s theme revolves around the idea of strategic card play and risk management, where players need to carefully decide which cards to play and when to play them.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

Take 5 is a popular card game known for its simplicity and strategic depth. The game includes the following components:

1. Deck of 104 Cards

Each card is numbered from 1 to 104. These cards form the basis of the gameplay. Each card has a number of bullheads on it, ranging from 1 to 7, which are used to score points. A lower numbered card generally has fewer bullheads than a higher numbered one. In the game, players play these cards in ascending order onto four different rows, with the objective to avoid picking up cards.

2. Score Track

This is where players keep track of their scores. The score track is not a physical component but is usually tracked on a piece of paper or digitally. The number of bullheads on the cards that a player picks up during the game are added up to form the player’s score. The objective of the game is to have the least number of points at the end of the game.

3. Playing Guide

A guide that provides detailed rules and instructions on how to play the game. This is especially useful for beginners who are not familiar with the game.

These components interact with each other in the following ways:

Card Play: At the start of each round, players simultaneously choose a card from their hand to play. The cards are then revealed and added to the rows in ascending order.
Scoring: If a player’s card would be the sixth card in a row, the player must first take the five cards already in the row and add them to their score pile. The bullheads on these cards are then added to the player’s score on the score track. The player’s played card then starts a new row.
End of the Game: The game ends when a player reaches a certain score on the score track, as specified in the playing guide. The player with the lowest score is then declared the winner.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

Take 5, also known as 6 nimmt!, is an engaging card game that requires strategic thinking and a bit of luck. The following is a step-by-step guide to setting up the game for play.

Step 1: Preparation
Deck Preparation: The game consists of a deck of 104 cards, each with a unique number from 1 to 104. Shuffle the deck thoroughly to ensure randomness.

Step 2: Player Roles
Roles: In Take 5, there are no specific player roles. Each player is on their own and aims to score the fewest points possible.

Step 3: Distributing Cards
Card Distribution: Deal 10 cards to each player. Players should not reveal their cards to others. The remaining cards should be placed in a stack face down in the middle of the table.

Step 4: Board Placement
Initial Board: The “board” in Take 5 is composed of four rows of cards on the table. To start the game, turn over the top four cards from the deck and place them in a row, leaving space below each for additional cards.

Step 5: Starting the Game
Game Start: Each player selects one card from their hand and places it face down on the table. Once all players have chosen a card, they are revealed simultaneously. The player with the lowest card must place their card first, followed by the next lowest and so on.

Step 6: Card Placement Rules
Placement Rules: Cards must be placed in ascending order in each row, with each new card placed to the right of the previous highest card. If a player’s card is lower than the last card in every row, they must take all the cards in one row of their choice and replace it with their card.

Step 7: Scoring
Scoring: Each card has a number of bullheads ranging from 1 to 7. These bullheads are the points. When a player is forced to take cards, they add the number of bullheads on those cards to their score. The goal of the game is to have the least number of points at the end.

Step 8: Game Rounds
Game Rounds: The game continues for as many rounds as it takes until one player scores 66 points. The player with the fewest points at the end of that round is the winner.

Remember, the key to success in Take 5 is strategy, patience, and a bit of luck. Enjoy the game!

Game flow Round and round we go

Take 5, also known as 6 Nimmt!, is a card game where the objective is to avoid gaining cards. Each card carries a certain number of penalty points and the player with the least penalty points at the end of the game is the winner. The game consists of several rounds and each round has its own phases.

Setup Phase:

Shuffling the Deck: All 104 cards are shuffled and each player is dealt 10 cards. The remaining deck is set aside.
Preparing the Table: Four cards are drawn from the top of the deck and placed in the middle of the table, each starting a new row.

Gameplay Phase:

Choosing Cards: All players choose a card from their hand and place it face-down on the table. Once all players have chosen a card, they are revealed simultaneously.
Card Placement: Starting with the player who played the lowest card and continuing in ascending order, each player places their card at the end of one of the rows on the table. The card must be placed in the row with the highest end card that is lower than the played card.
Penalty Cards: If a player’s card would be the sixth card in a row, the player must take the five cards already in the row as penalty cards and their played card becomes the first card in a new row. If a player’s card is lower than the end card of all rows, the player must take all the cards in a row of their choice as penalty cards and their played card starts a new row.

End of Round:

The round ends when all players have played their 10 cards. Each player counts the number of penalty points on their collected cards (the number of bull heads).

Scoring Phase:

Counting Points: Each player counts the number of penalty points they have collected. The player with the least number of points is the winner. If there is a tie, the player with the least number of cards wins.
Starting a New Round: If players wish to play another round, the game is reset and a new round begins with the Setup Phase.

The game continues in this manner until a player reaches a predetermined number of points, at which point the game ends and the player with the least number of points is declared the winner.

Players'turn One turn to rule them all

‘Take 5’ is a strategic card game where the goal is to score as few points as possible. During a player’s turn, they must perform a series of actions, each with their own potential impact on the overall gameplay. The steps of a turn in ‘Take 5’ are outlined below.

Choosing a Card

At the start of each round, all players choose a card from their hand. This card is placed face down on the table. The number on the card determines the order of play for that round, with the lowest number going first.

Revealing the Card

Once all players have chosen a card, everyone reveals their card at the same time.

Placing the Card in a Row

Beginning with the player who revealed the lowest card, players place their card in a row on the game board. The card must go in the row that ends with the highest number that is lower than the played card. If the card is lower than every end card, the player must take a row of their choice.

Taking a Row

If a player places the sixth card in a row, they must take the first five cards in that row and add them to their score pile. These cards are worth points at the end of the game, and the player with the lowest score wins.

Strategic choices in ‘Take 5’ largely revolve around deciding which card to play each round. Since the goal of the game is to avoid taking rows, players must anticipate what cards their opponents might play and choose their own cards accordingly.

Playing a High Card: A player could choose to play a high card, hoping it will go last and not trigger taking a row. This is a risk, as it could backfire if other players also play high cards.
Playing a Low Card: Alternatively, a player could play a very low card, ensuring they will go first. However, this could also backfire if the only available rows to place the card in are high in points.
Keeping Track of Played Cards: It can be beneficial to keep track of what cards have already been played. If a player knows a certain card has not been played yet, they could strategically play a card just below it to avoid taking a row.

In ‘Take 5’, the player’s turn is a blend of strategy, anticipation, and a little bit of luck. The choices made during each turn can significantly affect the game’s outcome, making ‘Take 5’ a game of both strategy and suspense.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘Take 5’ ends when the draw pile has been completely depleted and all players have played all the cards from their hand. This marks the end of a round. However, ‘Take 5’ is typically played over multiple rounds, and the game finally ends when a player reaches a total of 66 points or more at the end of a round.

Victory Conditions:

The player with the lowest score at the end of the game is declared the winner. The goal of the game is to avoid collecting cards, each of which carries a certain number of bullheads (points). The fewer bullheads a player collects, the better their score.

Scoring:

At the end of each round, players count the number of bullheads on the cards they have collected and add that to their running total score. Once a player reaches or exceeds 66 points, the game ends and the player with the fewest points wins.

Actions Before Final Scoring:

Card Collection: Before final scoring, players must collect the cards from any row where they placed a card higher than the ‘Take 5’ card. These cards count towards their final score.
Row Replacement: If a player takes cards from a row, they must replace those cards with their own card.

It’s important to note that strategy and careful card placement are key to winning a game of ‘Take 5’. By understanding the scoring system and the importance of avoiding high-point cards, players can effectively minimize their score and increase their chances of winning.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

In the board game ‘Take 5’, the scoring system is primarily based on the number of bullheads in the cards that a player collects. The game is played in rounds and the scoring occurs at the end of each round.

Points Awarded:

Each card in the game contains a certain number of bullheads, ranging from 1 to 7. The number of bullheads on a card is equal to its point value.
A player earns points by collecting cards through the game play. At the end of each round, the players count the number of bullheads on all the cards they have collected. This total is the player’s score for that round.
The game continues for multiple rounds until one player’s total score reaches or exceeds 66 points. At this point, the game ends, and the player with the fewest total points is declared the winner.

Tie-Breaking Rules:

If two or more players end the game with the same lowest score, the game enters a tie-breaker round. The rules for the tie-breaker round are as follows:

Each tied player participates in an additional round of game play.
Points are calculated in the same manner as regular rounds.
The player with the fewest points at the end of the tie-breaker round is the winner.
If there is still a tie after the tie-breaker round, additional tie-breaker rounds are played until there is a clear winner.

Through this scoring system, ‘Take 5’ encourages strategic play to avoid collecting cards with high numbers of bullheads, as the goal is to end the game with the fewest points possible.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

The game ‘Take 5’ is a competitive card game that requires strategic thinking and smart decision-making. While the rules are generally straightforward, there are some special rules, exceptions, and clarifications that players should be aware of.

1. The ‘6th Card’ Exception:

Normally, players can only place cards in a row if the card’s number is higher than the last card in the row. However, there’s an exception to this rule. If a player places a card that would be the 6th card in a row, they instead take the 5 cards already in the row. Their card becomes the new start of the row.

2. The ‘Equal Card’ Rule:

If a player has a card that is exactly equal to the last card in a row, they cannot place it there. It must go to a different row where it is higher than the last card.

3. The ‘Lowest Card’ Rule:

If a player plays a card that is lower than the last card in every row, they must take all the cards in one row of their choice. The card they played becomes the new start of that row.

4. Scoring Clarifications:

Each card taken counts as a point against the player, except for the ‘Take 5’ cards. Despite their name, ‘Take 5’ cards only count as 1 point against the player, not 5.

Example: If a player takes a row with three regular cards and two ‘Take 5’ cards, they receive 5 points, not 7.

5. Ending the Game:

The game ends when all cards from the deck have been played. However, if players have cards left in their hand once the deck has been exhausted, these cards are not played and do not count towards the player’s score.

Understanding these special rules and exceptions can help players strategize and make the best decisions during the game. So, while ‘Take 5’ is a game of chance, it is also a game of strategy and understanding how to best use the rules to your advantage.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

Advanced Strategies:

One of the key advanced strategies in ‘Take 5’ is to maintain a balance between high and low cards in your hand. This gives you more flexibility and control over which row you choose to add your card to.
Try to predict your opponents’ moves based on the cards they’ve played. If your opponent has just played a high card, it’s likely they have more high cards in their hand. Use this knowledge to your advantage.
Pay close attention to the number of cards in each row. The more cards in a row, the more likely it is that the row will be taken by the next player to play a card with a higher number.

Beginner Tips:

As a beginner, it’s crucial to remember that your aim is to score as few points as possible. Therefore, avoid taking rows with many cards or cards with high values.
Try not to play your highest cards too early in the game. Save them for when you really need them.
Don’t forget to count the cards in each row before deciding where to place your card. The number of cards in a row can drastically change the game’s outcome.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

A common mistake in ‘Take 5’ is forgetting that the game is about minimizing your points, not maximizing them. Always remember that lower scores are better.
Another mistake is not paying attention to the other players’ moves. Always keep an eye on what cards others are playing and try to predict their next moves.
Lastly, don’t get too attached to your cards. It’s easy to fall into the trap of holding onto high cards for too long. Remember, the aim is to get rid of all your cards.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

To optimize your gameplay in ‘Take 5’, try to keep track of what cards have been played. This will give you a better understanding of what cards are left in the game.
Another way to optimize gameplay is to use your high cards strategically. Use them to force your opponents to take rows with lots of cards or high values.
Finally, always stay flexible. The game is unpredictable, and the best players are those who can adapt to changing circumstances.