Taki Card Game: A Fun and Fast-Paced Family-Friendly Game

If you're looking for a fun and fast-paced card game, Taki might be just what you need. Developed by Israeli game inventor Haim Shafir in 1983, Taki is an advanced variant of Crazy Eights that has become a popular game worldwide. With its unique card deck and exciting action cards, Taki offers a fresh and engaging gameplay experience that is sure to keep you on your toes.

To understand Taki, it's important to know a bit of its historical background. Haim Shafir, the creator of Taki, is a world-renowned game inventor who has also developed other popular games such as Halli Galli and Speed Cups. Taki was introduced in 1983 by Shafir Games, and it quickly gained popularity in Israel and beyond. Today, Taki has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, making it one of the bestselling card games of all time.

If you're new to Taki, don't worry – the rules are easy to understand, and the gameplay is straightforward. Taki is a hand shedding card game that is played with a special deck of cards. The game is similar to UNO and Crazy Eights, but it has some unique features that set it apart. In Taki, players try to get rid of all their cards by matching them to the cards in the center of the table. Along the way, they can use action cards to change the course of the game and gain an advantage over their opponents.

Key Takeaways

  • Taki is a fast-paced card game developed by Israeli game inventor Haim Shafir in 1983.
  • The game is an advanced variant of Crazy Eights that has become a popular game worldwide.
  • Taki is easy to learn and offers a fresh and engaging gameplay experience with its unique card deck and exciting action cards.

Playing the card game Taki
Rule of Card Logo Icon
Players 2-10 Players
Difficulty 3/10
Recommended Age 7+
Game Category Shedding

History of Taki

Taki is a popular card game that was developed by Israeli game inventor Haim Shafir in 1983 and published by Shafir Games. The game is an advanced variant of Crazy Eights, which is played with a regular deck of playing cards. The game uses a specially printed deck designed by Israeli artist Ari Ron.

Taki was introduced as an expansion of Crazy Eights and has since become very popular in Israel. The game takes about 20 minutes to play and is suitable for 2-10 players, for ages 5 and up. It is similar to the American game Uno.

Haim Shafir is a well-known Israeli game inventor who has created many other popular games, including Rummikub, a tile-based game that has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Shafir has won numerous awards for his game designs, including the Spiel des Jahres, which is the most prestigious award in the board game industry.

Shafir Games is a game publishing company based in Israel that was founded by Haim Shafir. The company has published many successful games, including Taki and Rummikub. Shafir Games has become a leading player in the Israeli game industry and has helped to promote Israeli game design around the world.

Ari Ron is an Israeli artist who designed the game cards for Taki. Ron is known for his colorful and whimsical designs, which have been featured in many other games and products. His designs for Taki have helped to make the game visually appealing and fun to play.

Overall, Taki is a popular and well-designed card game that has become a classic in Israel and around the world. Its success is a testament to the skill and creativity of its inventor, Haim Shafir, and the many talented artists and designers who have contributed to its development over the years.

Understanding the Game

Taki is a popular card game that requires a special deck of cards and can be played by two or more players. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in your hand.

The Deck

Taki is played with a special deck of cards that includes action cards such as Stop, Plus, +3, Action Card, and +2. The deck also includes regular number cards and King cards. The game can be played with a regular deck of playing cards, but it is recommended to use the special Taki card deck for the best experience.

How to Play

To start the game, shuffle the deck of cards and deal each player five cards. Place the remaining cards in a draw pile, with the top card turned face up to start the discard pile.

The player to the left of the dealer goes first by placing a card from their hand on the discard pile. The card must match the color or number of the leading card. If the player cannot play a card, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card can be played, the player can play it immediately.

Action cards can change the direction of play, skip a player’s turn, force other players to draw cards, change the color, or allow a player to discard more than one card. These special cards add an extra layer of strategy to the game.

The game continues in a clockwise direction until a player plays their last card. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game.

Special Cards

In addition to regular number and King cards, the Taki deck includes special cards that can change the course of the game. The Stop card allows the player to stop the next player from taking their turn. The Plus card allows the player to play another card of the same color. The +3 card forces the next player to draw three cards. The Action Card allows the player to choose the next color. The +2 card forces the next player to draw two cards and forfeit their turn.

The Super Taki card allows the player to play any card of the same color. The King card can be played on any card, and the player must choose the next color. The Last Card! card allows the player to call out “Last Card!” when they have only one card left. The Switch Direction card changes the direction of play. The Closed Taki card allows the player to play any card of the same number. The Crazy Card can be played on any card, and the player must choose the next color.

Conclusion

Taki is a fun and exciting card game that requires strategy and quick thinking. With the special Taki card deck and action cards, the game offers a unique and challenging experience. Now that you understand the basics of the game, grab some friends and start playing!

Gameplay and Rules

Taki is a hand shedding card game that requires at least two players, and it is recommended for ages six and up. The objective of the game is to get rid of all the cards in your hand. A standard deck of playing cards is used for Taki, and jokers are not used.

To start the game, shuffle the deck of cards and deal each player five cards. Place the remaining cards in a draw pile, with the top card turned face up to start the discard pile. The player to the left of the dealer goes first, and the game proceeds clockwise.

Each player must follow the top card of the discard pile with a card of the same color or figure. If a player cannot play a card, they must draw one card from the draw pile. A player can play multiple cards of the same figure or color in one turn.

Action cards can change the direction of play, skip a player’s turn, force other players to draw cards, change the color, or allow a player to discard more than one card. The action cards include Stop, Plus, +3, +2, Switch Color, and King.

The Stop card stops the next player from taking their turn. The Plus card forces the next player to draw one card and skip their turn. The +3 card forces the next player to draw three cards and skip their turn. The +2 card forces the next player to draw two cards and skip their turn. The Switch Color card allows the player to choose the next color to be played. The King card allows the player to choose the next player to take their turn.

The game also includes special cards such as Super Taki and Crazy Card. The Super Taki card allows the player to continue playing cards of the same color until they run out or choose to stop. The Crazy Card allows the player to choose any color to be played.

The game continues until one player has played their last card, and they are declared the winner. If the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discard pile and continue playing. The winner earns no points, but the other players are penalized for the cards remaining in their hand. The penalty points are determined by the number on the remaining cards, with the exception of the King and Crazy Card, which are worth 10 points each.

In conclusion, Taki is a fun and exciting card game that can be enjoyed with friends and family. With its special cards and extended game options, it provides hours of joy and entertainment for players of all ages.

Strategies and Tips

To increase your chances of winning Taki, it’s important to have a few strategies and tips in mind. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Pay attention to the discard pile: Keep an eye on the cards that are being discarded, as this will give you an idea of what cards your opponents may have in their hands. This can help you make more strategic decisions when it comes to playing your own cards.
  • Use the special cards wisely: Action cards like Stop, Plus, +3, and +2 can be very useful in disrupting your opponents’ gameplay or giving yourself an advantage. However, use them wisely and at the right time, as they can also backfire and leave you with penalty points.
  • Don’t forget about the regular deck: While the special cards can be powerful, don’t forget about the regular deck. Number cards can be just as useful in getting rid of your hand and winning the game.
  • Keep track of the cards: As the game progresses, it can be easy to lose track of what cards have been played and what cards are left in the deck. Make sure to pay attention and keep track of the cards, as this can help you make more informed decisions.
  • Have a plan for the last card: When you’re down to your last card, make sure you have a plan for how to play it. If it’s a special card, use it wisely. If it’s a regular card, make sure it matches the leading card or use a special card to change the color.

Overall, the key to winning Taki is to stay focused, pay attention to the cards, and use your strategies and tips wisely. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to develop your own winning strategies and enjoy the game with friends and family.

Comparisons with Other Card Games

Taki is a unique card game that shares similarities with other popular card games. Here are some of the key differences and similarities between Taki and other card games:

Crazy Eights

Crazy Eights is the game that Taki is based on. Both games involve playing cards of the same suit or number, and both have a discard pile and a draw pile. However, Taki has a special card deck and extended game options that Crazy Eights does not have. Taki also has action cards such as “Stop” and “+2” that Crazy Eights does not have.

UNO

Taki and UNO are both fast-paced card games that involve matching cards of the same color or number. Both games also have action cards that can change the course of the game, such as “Skip” and “+2”. However, Taki has a different set of action cards, such as “Switch Color” and “+3”, that UNO does not have. Taki also has a special card deck and extended game options that UNO does not have.

Rummikub

Rummikub is a tile-based game that involves forming sets and runs of numbers. While Taki and Rummikub are different types of games, they both involve playing cards or tiles of the same number or color. Taki also has a special card deck and extended game options that Rummikub does not have.

Other Card Games

Taki has some similarities with other popular card games, such as Hearts, Spades, and Poker. However, Taki has a unique set of action cards and a special card deck that sets it apart from other card games.

Overall, Taki is a fun and fast-paced card game that is easy to learn and play. Whether you are playing with friends or family, Taki is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules of the Taki card game?

Taki is a hand shedding card game that was first published in 1983. The game is played with two identical sets of 58 cards each. The cards are distributed among the players, and the objective is to get rid of all your cards before the other players. The game starts with a card being placed face-up on the table, and the players must follow the top card of the Discard Pile with a card of the same color or figure. The game includes some unique and interesting action cards, such as Stop, Plus, TAKI, Change Direction, Super-TAKI, King, +3 Breaker, +3, and Change Color. For more detailed rules, refer to TAKI Card Game | Game Rules.

What is the difference between Uno and Taki?

Uno and Taki are both card games that involve shedding cards. However, there are some differences between the two games. For example, Taki includes some unique and interesting action cards that are not present in Uno. Additionally, in Taki, players must follow the top card of the Discard Pile with a card of the same color or figure, while in Uno, players must match the number, color, or symbol of the top card.

How many cards are in a Taki deck?

A Taki deck consists of two identical sets of 58 cards each, for a total of 116 cards. The deck includes all numbers (2 of each color), Stop/Plus/TAKI/Change Direction (2 of each color), Super-TAKI/King/+3 Breaker/+3 (2 of each), and Change Color (4).

Is there an online version of the Taki card game?

Yes, there are several online versions of the Taki card game available. Some of these versions are free to play, while others require a fee. To find an online version of the game, search for “play Taki online” or refer to TAKI Card Game.

What is the purpose of the Taki card?

The Taki card is a special card in the Taki card game that allows the player to continue playing cards of the same color or figure as the Taki card. If a player plays an Action Card as the last card in a Taki run, the action must be carried out. If an Action Card is not last in a Taki run, the actions are cancelled.

Are there any printable versions of the Taki card game available?

Yes, there are printable versions of the Taki card game available. To find a printable version, search for “printable Taki card game” or refer to FAQ | TAKI Card Game.

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