Draft:Fives (Card Game)

Fives (Card Game)

Example setup for "Fives" card game.

Overview

Fives is a chaotic card game designed by Alexander Baumann. It was first released around 2012. The game is intended for 3-6 players, any age, and typically takes about 30 seconds to play.

Gameplay

Objective

The objective of Fives is to get rid of your hand as fast as possible.

Components

• 52 card deck

Setup

1. Place each of the number "5" cards in a cross pattern in the center
2. Shuffle well since this is a sequential card placement game
3. Deal out the remainder of the deck to the players (If some are left over, who cares. Deal out unevenly, this isn't a serious game)

Rules

1. Each player starts with their hand face down
2. When dealer says "GO", each player will turn over their entire hand and begin
3. Players will simultaneously hurry to place their cards down on top of the center cards following these rules:
   1. Play a sequentially higher (+1) or lower (-1) card than the top showing card
      1. The game starts with 5s, only 4s and 6s can be played first
   2. Play cards one at a time.
      1. Players cannot play a "straight", for example.
   3. Ace's are "swing"
      1. Aces are both 1 more than King, and 1 less than 2s
   4. Suite does not matter; only the numeric value of the cards matter
4. The first person to empty their hand yells "FIVES!" and receives a point

Strategy

The game is chaotic and short so it is not advised to arrange your cards when the game starts. A good baseline strategy is to keep your cards in hand, pushing other players to get as close to the center as possible.

Development

Invented by Alexander Baumann in Lansing, MI, circa 2012.

Reception

This skill-based game is enjoyed by a wide ages, is easy to learn, easy to teach, and has high replay value.

Variants

Like "Fives"? Try "Sixes", or any other card in the deck.

References

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External Links

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