Still looking for a a fun game to play at the end of the big day on Christmas… or maybe a fun gift idea for a friend, in-law or kid? Well, Ratuki may come in a small box, but it’s full of fast-paced action. This self-described fast flippin’, quick grabbin’ card game is for ages 7 and up and can be played with 2 to 5 people.
The fast-paced card game is super quick, so my husband and I can play a game before bed. And the learning curve is quick too. It actually reminds me of a game…but I can’t put my finger on it. A little like War … a little like UNO… very fast paced. The goal is to get rid of the cards in your hand and collect “card stacks”. Every card left in your hand is a negative point. Every card in a stack you collected is a positive point. You want to get to 100 points to win.
How do you collect a stack of cards? Well, first I have to say that there are five different colored decks (purple, yellow, green, red and orange). Each deck has cards that are meant to represent 1 to 5. See, we are starting to get tricky. Numbers can be represented by numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V), words (one, two, three, four, five), pictures on dice or a hand holding up fingers. So your brain has to think a little when trying to number one to five.
As a player, you have three piles you are maintaining – DRAW PILE, DISCARD and SCORING. Then there is a CENTER STACK that you started that is in the center of the table. Every player has a Draw, Discard, Scoring and Center pile.
When you play, you can have up to three cards from your draw pile in your hand. You can only use one hand to play cards. (One to hold – one to play).
Any player with a number 1 can start a center stack. Not every player needs to start a center stack to begin play. And one player can start more than 1 center stack. But you cannot have more center stacks than players. Once the #1 card is played, the center stack is officially in play for players to put their cards on in order – either ascending or descending. Cards go up to five and back down to one. So a 2 can be played on a 1 or 3. A 1 can only be played on a 2. A five can only be played on a four – and it takes the center stack. Got it? You do not need to match symbols or colors – just keep going from one to five. A Wild Card canbe played at any time and also takes a stack. When a stack is taken, any player can start a new stack with a number one card. If you cannot play a card then it goes into the discard pile. Your discard pile is your draw pile when you run out of draw cards.
Play ends when a player has no cards left. A winner is named at 100 points.
It’s fast-paced and fun. This is one game I am bringing to family get-together’s, like after Christmas Dinner. I totally suggest it as a fun game for college students, family game night or even a game night among moms!
Ratuki is available from Barnes and Noble. It retails for $11 – $12 dollars.You can learn more about Ratuki and other classic games at USAopoly.com.
BUZZWORTHY: Enter for a chance to win a USAopoly game – Monopoly: The Nightmare Before Christmas. This contest ends 12.5.09.
This is solely the opinion of the Mom Buzz. Other people may have different experiences with the product. And don’t forget to enter my other hot contests so you can win and try buzzworthy products! The Mom Buzz received Ratuki from USAOPOLY for review.
sounds a little confusing, but fun. our kiddos would still be too young to play.