How to play 6 Nimmt / Take 5
The Cow Game is a free online alternative to 6 Nimmt (also known as Take 5, Take 6, and Category 5). Everyone plays a card at the same time. Cards go into four rows. Take as few cattle heads as possible.
How to play 6 Nimmt / Take 5
- Every player starts with 10 cards and 0 cattle heads.
- Each turn, everyone picks a card simultaneously.
- Cards are revealed and placed in rows in ascending order.
- A card goes to the row where it's higher than the last card, with the smallest difference.
- If your card is the 6th in a row, you take the first 5 cards as penalty points (cattle heads).
- If your card is lower than all rows, you must choose a row to take.
- The game ends when any player reaches 66 cattle heads (Points to lose in room settings).
- Goal: Have the fewest cattle heads when the game ends!
Ready to try it? Play 6 Nimmt online free in your browser — no signup required. You can practice against bots or share a room with friends.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cow Game free to play?
Yes. The Cow Game is free to play online. You can start without a download, and you do not need an account to play.
Can I play 6 Nimmt / Take 5 online with friends?
Yes. Create a private room and share the link or room code. Friends can join in the browser on desktop or mobile.
What are the rules of 6 Nimmt / Take 5?
Players each choose a card at the same time, then cards are placed into four rows in ascending order. If your card is the 6th in a row, you take the first five cards as penalty points (cattle heads). The goal is to have the fewest points when the game ends.
Can I play 6 Nimmt solo against bots?
Yes. You can play solo against easy, medium, or hard bots — useful for learning the game before you host a multiplayer room.
What is the difference between 6 Nimmt and Take 5?
They are the same game. 6 Nimmt! is the original German name; Take 5 is used in many international editions. The Cow Game is a free online alternative that follows these classic rules.
How many players can join a game?
A room supports up to 10 players. You can also fill empty seats with bots.