up N dn (2003)

About this game

up N dn, first released as Auf & Ab, is essentially a climbing card game like Tichu or Gang of Four. Players take turns playing cards on the table according to certain rules until eventually one of them collects the cards. In up N dn, however, the most important thing is not to win tricks but to get rid of your cards as quickly as possible. You can play more than one card at a time and may also get more than one opportunity to play per round, but the sudden change of play between an UP and a DOWN round can significantly affect the strength of your hand and gives the game its special flavor.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 7.
• Rules load. At 1.2/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.