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Players: 2-6 (ages 7+)
Playing time: 30 minutes
Finally…a game that’s so simple to learn, yet so enjoyable to play. ShakeDown only requires a little skill, some concentration, and a good sense of humor. The object of the game is straightforward: draw cards from the bottom of the tower and place them on top in an unbalanced fashion that makes it difficult for the next player to do the same without any cards falling off of the tower. If the card(s) fall off during a turn—that is, at least five seconds after the last completed turn—the player must take those cards, which have point values. When you’ve played all of the cards and have drawn the TOP OFF card, the game is over. Everyone counts up their points, and the player with the least number of points wins.
Sound easy? Oh, but there’s a catch. If you draw an “action” card, you must perform that action, hopefully with a minimum number of cards falling off. This may include setting the tower on the table while everyone drum rolls for five seconds or holding the tower while dancing the twist. Try that with 30 cards unevenly placed on top!
Game set up is also simple. Place the TOP OFF card in the bottom (base) of the tower. Shuffle the remaining 55 cards, and then insert them at the base. Take turns drawing cards. It’s a little tricky, as there is a spring mechanism that holds the cards into place. If you tug too hard, the cards on top may fall. When you’ve successfully drawn from the bottom, try to place the card unevenly at the top of the tower. You don’t want them to tumble on your turn, but you’d sure like to make it difficult for the next player.
I play ShakeDown with my teenage son and daughter, who add a variation not included in the rule book. Make hilarious or insulting remarks to the person whose turn it is in an attempt to distract them, thus causing the cards to fall off. Yes, the ploy is often successful. I guess I’ll have to work on my concentration skills and filter out distractions.
We like that this game doesn’t take long to play—30 minutes tops. You can always cut time out from your day or evening to enjoy this game, or play it numerous times in succession. If friends drop over, you can whip out the set for some quick fun, or spend some quality time with your family. ShakeDown may be uncomplicated, but it sure is a lot of fun.
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