How to play 6 Nimmt / Take 5
The Cow Game follows the classic rules of 6 Nimmt! (published in some countries as Take 5, Take 6, or Category 5). It is a free, independent online alternative — not the official AMIGO edition. The goal is to finish with the fewest cattle heads (penalty points).
Rules
- Each player starts with 10 cards and 0 cattle heads. Four cards are dealt face-up to start four rows.
- Every turn, all players secretly choose one card, then reveal at the same time.
- Revealed cards are placed in ascending order. A card goes on the row whose last card is just below it (smallest difference).
- Each row holds at most 5 cards. If your card would be the 6th in a row, you take the first 5 cards as penalty points and your card starts the new row.
- If your card is lower than every row, you must choose a row to take. Those cattle heads are added to your score, and your card starts that row.
- When everyone has played their 10 cards, a round ends. A new hand is dealt and play continues.
- The game ends when any player reaches the points-to-lose limit (66 in the classic rules; rooms can change this). The player with the fewest cattle heads wins.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cow Game free to play?
Yes. The Cow Game is free to play in your browser. No download is required, and you can start without creating an account.
Can I play 6 Nimmt / Take 5 online with friends?
Yes. Create a private room and share the link or room code. You can also browse public rooms. Empty seats can be filled with bots.
What are the rules of 6 Nimmt / Take 5?
Players each choose a card at the same time and place it into one of four rows. If your card is the 6th in a row, you take the first 5 cards as cattle-head penalty points. Lowest score when someone hits the limit (usually 66) wins.
Can I play 6 Nimmt solo against bots?
Yes. Play solo against easy, medium, or hard bots, or mix bots into a multiplayer room to fill empty seats.
What is the difference between 6 Nimmt and Take 5?
They are the same game. 6 Nimmt! is the original German name; Take 5 and Take 6 are names used in other editions. The Cow Game is a free online alternative that follows those classic rules.
How many players can join a game?
Up to 10 players can join a room. You can play with friends only, or fill remaining seats with bots.