Cherry on Top

The colourful fruits in “Cherry on Top,” a tactical family card game from the Viennese game publisher Piatnik, serve as a brain booster. Who can form larger groups of cards than the other players and be the first to get rid of their hand? With its handy pocket-sized format, “Cherry on Top” is also perfect for playing on the go, ensuring it spreads good cheer at home and away.

Bananas, melons, and of course cherries take centre stage in this challenging card game, alongside four other fruits and seven colours. On their turn, players try to add as many cards of the same colour or fruit as possible to cards already on the table to form a set. It sounds simple, but it can get pretty tricky! That’s because it requires some smart thinking: Players who take a tactical approach incorporate cards already on the table into their move, skilfully capitalizing on the groundwork laid by others.

There’s also a special twist that can quickly steer the game in a new direction: Cards already on the table may be covered by cards of different colours or fruits. The goal is always to outdo the others in the shared card display and form a group that’s at least one card larger than that of the previous player. Of course, this gets a little more complicated with every turn, so the fun and excitement keep building. However, anyone who can’t keep up with this growing challenge must unfortunately pass and hope for better luck on the next turn.

Once everyone has passed on their turn, a new round begins with a fresh set of cards laid out. The game continues until someone can play their last card from their hand, winning after what is usually about 15 minutes of play. Perhaps with cherries “on top”?

If you’re looking for games with simple rules that still require some brainpower and offer a little twist, “Cherry on Top” is just the thing for you. Two to five players aged eight and up compete for victory in this “ladder-climbing game” (outbidding previously played cards) designed by Michael Diechtierow. The modern, colourful illustrations by Lars Besten and the right ideas for the perfect fruit mix ensure a fun atmosphere.