Take That

About this board game

Take That is an easy-to-learn card game for 2–4 players that plays in about 20 minutes. On each turn, players must either place a card into the row or remove one.

That simple choice is the heart of the game. Every turn gives you only these two options, so the changing row of cards determines what can be done next. The rules are easy, but failing to make a legal move has an unmistakable consequence.

• Place a card into the row.
• Remove a card from the row.
• If neither action is possible, take the bitter penalty.

If you cannot place or remove a card, you have to swallow the bitter pill. In this case, you take the bitter toad and cash in minus points. The penalty can make an otherwise straightforward turn costly, giving every available move importance.

The game continues until the stack of cards is empty. At that point, the scores are settled, and the player with the fewest minus points wins.

With its short playing time, clear rules, and direct card-row actions, Take That offers focused take-that fun without a complicated structure. It is an exciting choice for a quick game among two to four players, with the possibility of a bitter surprise whenever no move remains.

Released in 2016, Take That keeps its central idea concise: place a card, remove one, and avoid swallowing the bitter toad whenever possible.