Take 5

Take 5 is a fun, fast-paced card game that I recently discovered and have been enjoying immensely. I'm surprised it doesn't get recommended more often – it's truly a gem! While I enjoy games like No Thanks and The Mind, Take 5 has quickly become a favorite and even surpasses No Thanks in my opinion.

The premise is simple: you want to score the fewest points possible. Players take turns placing cards in ascending order, and the person who places the sixth card in a row takes all the cards in that row. The catch is that each card has a point value, and you want to avoid taking the rows with the highest point values.

What makes Take 5 so captivating is the balance between luck and strategy. You can't control what cards you're dealt, but you can use your knowledge of the numbers and the cards already played to make smart decisions and try to outwit your opponents. There's a great deal of suspense as you watch the rows grow, trying to predict which ones will be claimed and how to position your own cards to avoid taking the "bulls" (the highest point cards).

The game works well with a variety of player counts, although it really shines with 4 or more players. The more people you have playing, the more chaotic and exciting it gets. It's a great game for families and friends, and it's easy to learn, so even those who aren't experienced with board games can pick it up quickly.

Some of the reviews mentioned that the cards are a bit thin and flimsy, and I agree. It would be nice if they were a little sturdier. However, it's a minor quibble in an otherwise excellent game. Overall, I highly recommend Take 5 to anyone looking for a fun, strategic, and fast-paced card game to enjoy with friends and family.