The game components include a deck of cards numbered from 1 to 104, with each card featuring a certain number of bull heads (representing penalty points). The number of bull heads on each card corresponds to the number of points it is worth at the end of the round.
To start the game, each player is dealt a hand of cards. A row of four cards is then placed face-up in the center of the table to serve as starting rows. On their turn, players choose a card from their hand and simultaneously reveal it. The cards are then placed in ascending order next to the appropriate starting row, with the condition that the card played must be higher than the previous card in that row.
If a player's card is the sixth card placed in a row, they must take the previous five cards from that row into their hand, adding them to their collection of penalty points. The player then starts a new row with their card.
The game continues until all players have played their cards, at which point the round ends. Players tally up the number of bull heads on the cards they've collected, and these points are added to their score. The game typically consists of multiple rounds, and the player with the fewest points at the end of the game is the winner.
"Take 5" is known for its simple rules, quick gameplay, and strategic depth. It offers a blend of luck and skill as players try to anticipate which cards their opponents will play and strategically manage their hand to avoid collecting penalty points. With its accessible gameplay and engaging mechanics, "Take 5" is a popular choice for casual gaming sessions and family game nights.