Playing by numbers (Rummikub)

Member Name: kingfisher111

Product:	Rummikub
Date:	25/09/06 (361 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good family game

Disadvantages: none

Since becoming the parents of two small girls, going out for the evening has become a rare treat and we now often have friends round for the evening instead. Therefore we have been looking at a number of games which can round off the evening well. Rummikub is a good game for this, particularly if you like playing cards but want an alternative.

Rummikub is a cross between the traditional card game rummy and tile games such as Mahjong. It is a game for between two and four players and is suitable for the age of eight upwards.

Before starting the game you have to make sure that all 106 tiles are face down on the table. These tiles are made uo of the numbers one to thirteen in four different colours (two sets in each colour) and two jokers which can be used as any number.

Each player has a rack in front of them on which they place thirteen tiles which they have picked up unseen from the table. The first player to go has the option to place down sets of single numbers or sequential runs of numbers provided that the total tiles that he is able to lay add up to thirty or more. If he is unable to do so he has to pick up a tile from the table and play passes to the next player. You are never allowed to enter the game until the tiles you can lay add up to 30 (good for mental maths especially after a few drinks!)

Once you have entered the game, whenever it is your go you can do one of two things. You can either lay more sets or runs from your own set of tiles or, more deviously, you can add to or change whatever has already been laid on the table. This has the effect of drastically changing the run of the game which can be very annoying for other players!

The aim of the game is to be the first to play all your tiles and then as a consequence score off all the other players. When someone has won everyone else has to add up their score. The winner scores all these points for himself, and all the other losing players have to take their scores away. You can play as many rounds as you like or either aim for a maximum score or a time limit.

I think that this game can be a lot of fun and it definitely gets your brain working as you are continuously trying to work out different combinations. The game doesn't come with a timer but I would suggest using one as in our house sometimes people seem to take ages working out how they want to lay their tiles which can get a bit boring for every one else!

So I would certainly recommend this game if you are into this kind of thing. It is also a good alternative for teenagers who sometimes seem glued to computer games and will also help them with their maths!

The game is made by Tomy and is at present selling on Amazon for £14.99.

I have just discovered that there is an actual rummikub website - www.rummikub.com - where you can find lots of background information about Rummikub and also see the range of games that there are. The game I am talking about is the original classic number game but there are also rummikub word and dice games as well as travel versions. Apparently there are also worldwide rummikub championships! I didn't actually know this site existed but will definitely look at it in more detail.

Anyway, it's a great game to play with family and friends and a good alternative from the TV or computer!!

Summary: Each time you play it it's different!