5 Up

Game 22# of the “Now & Then Summer Marathon 2024” is “5Up” played with Jack(9) and Toby(6)

“5 Up” is a straightforward push-your-luck game that caught my attention due to its compact neoprene case. Despite my initial low expectations, I found it surprisingly enjoyable and a great introduction to push-your-luck mechanics.

The game board itself unfolds from the neoprene case, revealing the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, along with a dustbin section. Each player starts with 10 tokens they aim to discard by the end of the game. On your turn, roll the dice—if you get a five, you can instantly discard a token. For any other number, cover up the corresponding spot on the board with one of your tokens. You then decide whether to roll again or pass to the next player, introducing the push-your-luck element.

If you roll a number already covered, collect all the tokens on the board. The game continues until one player gets rid of all their tokens and wins.

It’s a super simple travel game—perfect for playing in a restaurant while waiting for food or at a pub with non-gamer friends. The neoprene wallet is nicely designed, the dice quality is decent, and the tokens can even double as tiddlywinks.

I’d recommend “5 Up,” especially if you’re introducing push-your-luck mechanics to younger players. It’s easy to grasp the risk-reward nature and basic probability concepts. You can find it in most supermarkets or toy shops for just a few pounds and for such a low price it’s worth it.