6 Nimmt! (Take 5) Rules

Game Overview

"6 Nimmt!" (pronounced "Fuss im Heck") is a popular German card game designed by Reiner Knizia. It was first published in 1993 and has since become a classic among card games. The game requires a minimum of two players, but can accommodate up to eight, making it versatile for various social settings. The game components include 104 cards and a rules booklet, available on Amazon.

Objective

The primary objective in "6 Nimmt!" is not to acquire any cards throughout the game. Each card carries one to seven bullheads, and each bullhead represents one negative point. The player with the fewest bullheads at the end of the game wins.

Setup

Before starting the game, players will need paper and a pencil for scorekeeping. Shuffle the cards and deal 10 cards to each player. Each player then arranges their cards in hand according to their numbers in ascending order. The remaining cards are set aside and will not be needed until the next round.

Four rows are created on the table by placing the top four cards of the remaining pile face-up. These cards serve as the first card in each row, with no more than 5 cards permitted in any single row, including the initial card.

How to Play

The game consists of multiple rounds, with players playing one card per round until they have played out all ten cards from their hand. The player with the lowest numbered card starts the first round, followed by the player with the second-lowest, and so on.

I. Playing a Card

Players place one card face-down on the table in front of them, revealing the cards only after everyone has played theirs. The card added to a row must be higher than the current last card in that row (Rule No. 1) and should have the smallest possible difference between the current last card and the new one (Rule No. 2). Cards are always placed adjacent to each other in a row.

II. Getting Cards

If a player cannot play their card due to a full row or because it doesn't fit any of the existing rows, they will have to pick up cards from the table, which count against them.

Rule No. 3: Full Row: A row with 5 cards is considered full, and if a sixth card would be added to such a row, the player who played that card must take all five cards of the full row. Their card then becomes the first in the new row.

Rule No. 4: Lowest Card: If a player plays a card whose number is so low that it doesn't fit into any row, they must pick up all cards from one of the rows of their choice. Their card then becomes the first card of the new row.

Scoring and End of Game

The game ends when players have played out all ten cards from their hands. Each player counts their minus points based on the bullheads they've accumulated during the game, and scores are recorded on paper. The cards are then shuffled, and a new game begins.

The game continues for several rounds until a player has collected 66 or more bullheads. The player with the fewest bullheads at this point wins the game. Alternatively, players can choose to play to a different score or for a set number of rounds.

Common Variants

"6 Nimmt!" offers several variants to keep the game interesting. One such variant is "Junior 6 Nimmt!," which simplifies the rules and reduces the number of cards, making it easier for children to play. Another popular variant is "11 Nimmt!," where the objective remains the same but with a deck of 78 cards and a playing field consisting of five rows instead of four.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to understand the rules for adding cards to rows can lead to confusion, especially for beginners. Remember that cards must be added in ascending order (Rule No. 1) with the smallest possible difference between the current last card and the new one (Rule No. 2).
• Not paying attention to the bullheads on the cards can result in a player accumulating more negative points than necessary. It's essential to keep track of one's points throughout the game.
• Ignoring the objective of the game is a common mistake, as some players may focus solely on playing their cards rather than avoiding negative points. Remember that the goal is not to have any cards at all by the end of the game.

FAQ

1. Can I use a deck larger or smaller than 104 cards? While the official rules suggest using a deck of 104 cards, you can modify the game by using a smaller or larger deck if preferred. However, be aware that this may impact the difficulty level and gameplay dynamics.
2. Is it possible to play "6 Nimmt!" with more than eight players? While the game is designed for up to eight players, it can technically accommodate more players by splitting into teams. However, this will require additional cards or modifications to the rules to ensure a balanced and enjoyable game experience.
3. How does the "Junior 6 Nimmt!" variant differ from the original game? "Junior 6 Nimmt!" simplifies the rules by using a smaller deck of cards (48) and reducing the playing field to three rows instead of four. The objective remains the same, but the game is tailored for younger players or those new to card games.