5 Alive

Crown & Andrews Ltd., Hasbro, International Games · Board game · 1990
2–6 · best 5 30 min Weight 1.2/5
5.0 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Buy
5.0 rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Looking for a quick, easy card game that can get under your friends' skin? 5 Alive is the one! It's the kind of game you play once and immediately want to play again.

Highlights
  • Fast and easy to learn
  • Strategy with a touch of luck
  • Direct player interaction
  • Great warm-up game
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can annoy
  • Can be a bit repetitive
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready for a fast-paced card game full of twists and turns! In 5 Alive, the goal is simple: be the last player with lives remaining. Everyone starts with five chances, and each round, you play a card trying not to exceed the 21 limit on the running total. If you go over 21, you lose a life. But beware: if you're clever and manage to play the last card from your hand without exceeding the limit, it's the other players who suffer, losing a life!

Besides the numbered cards, the deck includes special cards that add extra spice to the game. There are cards that reset the counter, others that skip the next player's turn, one that reverses the direction of play, and even some that make opponents draw more cards. It's an abstract game, so don't expect a deep story, but rather pure strategic fun with a touch of luck. Perfect for those who enjoy games with hand management and a bit of player elimination, without getting too complicated. With games lasting around 30 minutes and playable by 2 to 6 players, 5 Alive is a great choice to liven up any gathering, whether with family or friends. The rules are easy to grasp, but the competition to avoid being the first to run out of lives is fierce!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Categories

Families

Containers: Tin/Metal Box
Publisher Crown & Andrews Ltd., Hasbro, International Games, Kod Kod, Mattel, Inc., Parker Brothers, Schmidt Spiele, Waddingtons
Designer Eàmon Bloomfield
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lives does each player start with?
Each player starts with 5 lives.
What is the main objective of the game?
To be the last player with lives remaining.
What happens if the total of played cards exceeds 21?
The player who played the card that caused the total to exceed 21 loses a life.
Is there a way to make other players lose a life?
Yes! If you manage to play the last card from your hand without exceeding the 21 limit, all other players lose a life.
Does the game have a story or theme?
No, 5 Alive is an abstract game, focused on mechanics and player interaction.
Is it a complicated game to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple and you'll learn them quickly, ideal for playing with various audiences.
How long does a game typically last?
A game of 5 Alive usually lasts around 30 minutes.