Five Cucumbers published by Rio Grande Games and designed by Friedemann Friesse is a 2 to 6 player game that takes about 20 minutes to play. This card game is an entry level trick taking card game that is fun for any occasion. I love games that take less than a minute to explain, can be taken anywhere, and are language independent. This game fits that criteria!
Overview
Do you have what it takes to avoid the last trick? Five Cucumbers is a deceptively simple trick-taking card game with one clear rule: don’t take the last trick if you want to win! This pocket-sized game is easy to learn, yet every card played counts. Players aim to play the lowest card possible without getting caught taking that last, dreaded trick.
Five Cucumbers published by Rio Grande Games and designed by Friedemann Friesse is a 2 to 6 player game that takes about 20 minutes to play. This card game is an entry level trick taking card game that is fun for any occasion. I love games that take less than a minute to explain, can be taken anywhere, and are language independent. This game fits that criteria!
Overview
Do you have what it takes to avoid the last trick? Five Cucumbers is a deceptively simple trick-taking card game with one clear rule: don’t take the last trick if you want to win! This pocket-sized game is easy to learn, yet every card played counts. Players aim to play the lowest card possible without getting caught taking that last, dreaded trick.
Components
60 Cards: Numbered 1-15, with four cards for each value
Cucumber Tokens that are super cute and are used to track penalties
Nice small box
Setup:
Shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly
Deal seven cards to each player
Place the remaining cards in the center as the draw pile
How to Play:
The player to the dealer’s left starts by playing a card from their hand
On each turn, players must play a card that is higher than or equal to the last card played. If they cannot play a higher card, they must play their lowest card instead
The round continues until all cards have been played
How to Win:
The goal is to avoid taking the last trick. The player who ends up with the last trick collects cucumbers (penalty points) based on the number of cucumbers pictured in highest played card.
This is an elimination game, but we do not like that because if people are not participating, what’s the point of playing a board game? Therefore, we play to whoever gets Five Cucumbers first loses the game.
Pros
Fast-paced with simple rules
Compact and travel-friendly
Great blend of luck and tactical decision-making
Suitable for all ages
I appreciate how each card’s number comes into play, making even low-value cards potentially powerful when used wisely.
Cons
This is an elimination game, but we’ve modified the rules of the game to end when someone gets Five Cucumbers. While the game might feel repetitive over multiple plays for those looking for a deeper challenge, it shines as a light filler game, introductory trick-taking game that is perfect for casual fun or a quick game night warm-up!
Conclusion
Five Cucumbers is a delightful addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy light-hearted, entry level games that can be played in a snap. Its easy-to-understand mechanics, combined with a dash of luck and tactical depth, make it suitable for players of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick game to break the ice or a game to keep in your purse, Five Cucumbers promises a quick game with a small footprint for any occasion.
