Ketch Up

999 Games, AMIGO, Dal Negro · Board game · 1998
2–5 · best 5 15 min Weight 1.1/5
rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
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rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A frantic and super simple filler for those seeking immediate fun and speed.

Highlights
  • Extremely fast rounds
  • Very easy rules
  • Great for kids
Keep in mind
  • Low strategic depth
  • High luck factor
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever had that moment where you're about to pull off an amazing move, only for someone else to swoop in and steal your treasure? Well, that's the exact spirit of Ketch Up (also known as Yummy)! If you're looking for something to distract the group between heavy sessions, or even to teach kids the basics of strategy, you've found it. This game is a pure card-driven experience using numbers 3 to 7, where the goal is straightforward: build piles of matching numbers to 'clear' the table and score points.

Setup is a breeze: each player gets their own draw deck and starts with three cards in hand. On your turn, you can play one to three cards in the center, creating separate piles for each number. The real trick lies in the math: if you play the third '3', the fourth '4', or the fifth '5', you get to grab all cards of that specific number and add them to your scoring pile. It's all about timing and observation. You have to decide whether to play a card now to try and complete a set or hold back to avoid feeding your opponent on a silver platter.

The game is a race against time and your own deck. As soon as one player runs out of cards in both their draw pile and their hand, the game ends instantly. Then, it's just a matter of counting who collected the most cards to crown the winner. It's a 'grab it before it's gone' style game, perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced, rule-light gameplay that still requires a sharp eye to nail the perfect timing. It's light, frantic, and incredibly addictive due to its simplicity.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
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Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Misc: Self-Referential Games
Publisher 999 Games, AMIGO, Dal Negro, KADABRA, Kaissa Chess & Games, Klee, Möbius Games, Piatnik, Ravensburger AG, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer Dario De Toffoli, Leo Colovini
Artist Anke Pohl, Arthur Wagner, Dario De Toffoli, Marek Bláha, Thilo Rick
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a game last?
Super quick! On average, about 15 minutes per round.
What is the recommended age?
Since it's very simple, it works great with kids aged 6 or 7 and up.
Is the game complex?
Not at all. You'll learn how to play in less than two minutes.
How many players can play?
It works well for 2 to 5 players.
What is included in the box?
Basically a deck of numbered cards to drive the gameplay.