Rummikub

My latest nerd toy is Rummikub and I kick massive loads of ass at it—no one can defeat me.

Rummikub is an old rummy game similar to gin rummy. Players put pieces down on the table in either three-of-a-kind sets (9 of hearts, 9 of spades, and a 9 of diamonds), or three consecutive cards of the same suit (8 of hearts, 9 of hearts, and 10 of hearts).

Yet, unlike gin rummy, players can rearrange the pieces on the table to help them put more pieces down. Only problem is that all pieces after the rearrangement must still follow the three (or four) -of-a-kind set or the three or more consecutive card rule: no orphaned or dual orphaned pieces

The object is to get rid of all one’s pieces. For a better explanation of the rules see here.

Rummikub is an awesome game because it forces the players to see multiple steps ahead. Some moves require massive wholesale renovation of the table in five or six steps. One incomplete thought and a hanging piece screws up the player.

Rummikub is easy to learn, a pain in the ass to see everything, and a good exercise in seeing multiple steps ahead.

$10 on Amazon