Clean Up: a rainbow-sequence card race by Reinhard Staupe
Published by Oya, Clean Up is a clever card game designed by Reinhard Staupe where two to four players compete to build optimal card sequences. Behind its accessible setup lies an engaging gameplay loop filled with satisfying tactical micro-decisions. Players build ascending chromatic lines in front of them while clearing their hands on shared center piles. The game's originality lies in converting every played or drawn card into victory points. The game features:
- A smooth discarding system reminiscent of tile combinations found in Rummikub.
- A scoring system rewarding calculated risks as well as frequent deck drawing.
- A high-tension endgame triggered once a critical score threshold is passed.
Clean Up: chain discards and empty-hand bonuses
Player turns revolve around a fast, highly rewarding sequence of actions:
- The rainbow sequence: At turn start, players must play a card to start or extend a personal line consisting of strictly ascending numbers in unique colors.
- Central pile clearing: Players can discard as many hand cards as desired onto two shared piles matching color, playing the exact next value (+1), or creating a sum of ten.
- Drawing and bonuses: Players refill their hand, scoring one point per drawn card. Emptying an entire hand scores six bonus points, immediately refilling the hand and granting an extra turn.
Clean Up: victory conditions and game end
The scoring method provides immense strategic flexibility across every turn:
- Scoring a sequence: Cashing in a rainbow sequence scores the square of its card count, causing dramatic point jumps.
- The 77-point trigger: As soon as any player crosses the 77-point threshold, the final sprint begins.
- Leading at your turn: The winner is the first player who remains in the lead when their turn comes back around. Clean Up delivers a fast, twist-filled card game, perfect for groups seeking a clever shedding title where sharp timing secures the win.
