Take It or Leave It (2010) Board Game

Take It or Leave It is a card game that was released in 2010 by Gamewright and Schmidt Spiele. The game was designed by Dennis Lohausen and Mike Mandolese, and features dice rolling as its main gameplay mechanism. It is designed for 2 to 5 players, with the best player count being 3 to

The game has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Take It or Leave It

Combo cards: Players receive these to form sets and combinations.

Action cards: Used to influence gameplay with special instructions.

Dice: Includes orange, blue, and red (wild) dice, with the number of dice varying based on the number of players.

Penalty tokens: Used to track unsuccessful dice selections.

How To Setup Take It or Leave It

To set up the game, separate the combo and action cards and shuffle each deck. Deal four combo cards and one action card to each player. Place the dice tray in the middle of the table with the appropriate number of dice based on the number of players:

2 Players: 6 orange, 6 blue, 1 red

3 Players: 7 orange, 7 blue, 2 red

4 Players: 8 orange, 8 blue, 2 red

5 Players: 9 orange, 9 blue, 2 red
The player who has had the most recent streak of good luck starts the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players take turns rolling and selecting dice.

Card Management: Players use combo and action cards to complete sets.

Risk/Reward: Decisions on when to take risks to complete more combo cards.

Game Objective

Complete combo cards by selecting the appropriate dice.

Minimize penalty tokens for unused dice.

Score points for completed combo cards and subtract penalties.

Player Experience

In **Take It or Leave It**, players experience a mix of luck and strategy. Each round involves rolling dice and selecting them to complete combo cards. The game is dynamic, with players needing to balance the risk of taking additional dice against the potential for penalties. The red wild dice add an extra layer of strategy, allowing players to adapt their plans. The game’s outcome is heavily influenced by the dice rolls, but strategic decision-making plays a crucial role in maximizing scores.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Combines luck and strategy effectively.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Replay Value: Variable dice rolls and combo cards ensure different experiences each game.

Social Interaction: Encourages competitive and fun interactions among players.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Outcomes can be heavily influenced by dice rolls, which may frustrate some players.

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking deeply complex strategies.

Penalty System: Can be frustrating for players who accumulate many penalty tokens.

Personal Thoughts on Take It or Leave It

**Take It or Leave It** is ideal for players who enjoy light-hearted, family-friendly games with a touch of strategy. It’s perfect for casual game nights or introductory gaming sessions, as it is easy to learn and plays quickly. However, players seeking more complex strategic games might find it too simplistic. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate a fun and interactive dice-rolling experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.