PUSH - PUSH, Ravensburger, 2020 — front cover of the German edition (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
PUSH - Box remake. I agree the box is annoying. I cut the flaps and glued it inside. - Credit: fmoros
PUSH - PUSH, Ravensburger, 2020 — front cover of the German edition (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
PUSH - PUSH - Multilingual edition (2022) - Components - Credit: delguindo
PUSH - PUSH. Multilingual edition (2022) - Credit: delguindo
PUSH - Naruto Shippuden: PUSH, Ravensburger, 2025 — front cover - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. PUSH - PUSH, Ravensburger, 2020 — front cover of the German edition (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. PUSH - Box remake. I agree the box is annoying. I cut the flaps and glued it inside. - Credit: fmoros
  3. PUSH - PUSH, Ravensburger, 2020 — front cover of the German edition (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  4. PUSH - PUSH - Multilingual edition (2022) - Components - Credit: delguindo
  5. PUSH - PUSH. Multilingual edition (2022) - Credit: delguindo
  6. PUSH - Naruto Shippuden: PUSH, Ravensburger, 2025 — front cover - Credit: W Eric Martin

PUSH Review

"Push' delivers a thrilling blend of luck and choice. Its colorful cards and simple rules make for addictive fun. Beware, strategic minds might find the unpredictability a nail-biter rather than a thinker!"

  • Gameplay dynamics
  • Player interaction
  • Component quality
  • Luck vs Skill balance
3.3/5Overall Score

'Push' combines colorful cards and thrilling choices, yet it's luck-driven, great for casual fun but frustrates strategic minds.

Specs
  • Number of players: 2-6 players
  • Playing Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 8 and up
  • Game Type: Press-your-luck card game
  • Publisher: Ravensburger
  • Components: Cards, Dice, Point Tracker
  • Setup Time: 2 minutes
Pros
  • Simple rules
  • Colorful design
  • Fun interactions
  • Quick playtime
Cons
  • Luck over strategy
  • Frustrating unpredictability
  • Limited for strategic players
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Welcome, fellow board game lovers, to my review of the energetic and unpredictable game called ‘Push’. If you’re looking for a game to keep everyone on their toes with simple rules and plenty of player interactions, ‘Push’ might just be for you. But beware: luck plays a bigger part here than strategy. Let’s delve into its highs and lows and see if it’s worth adding to your collection!

How It Plays

Setting Up

Each player grabs some snacks, because you’ll need strength for this one! To start, shuffle the deck of cards and place it in the middle. Every player gets a different colored disc to hold onto. That’s it for setup. Easy peasy, right?

Gameplay

On your turn, you draw a card from the deck. You’ve got the choice to keep drawing or “push” your luck and stop. But careful! Draw the same color or number twice, and you lose all the cards you drew that turn. It’s like gambling with Monopoly money, really.

Winning the Game

Players stash their hard-earned cards when they stop. The goal is to collect the highest number of points from the numbers on your cards. When the deck runs out, the player with the most points takes home the glory. Simple, right? Unless you have a cat who likes to steal cards. Then, it gets complicated!

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for PUSH.

Game Mechanics and Rules: Understanding Push

Practically every board game has mechanics that either make you yell in triumph or shake your fist at the heavens. “Push,” a game I recently played with my pals, can certainly inspire both emotions. Let’s explore how it ticks.

“Push” is as simple as making a sandwich. The core of the game lies in pushing your luck—something I’ve learned is both a thrill and a test of patience. Each turn revolves around drawing cards from a deck and placing them into columns. Sounds easy, right? Wait till your nerves get tested!

Here’s the catch: if you pull a duplicate color or number, you lose everything. Imagine pulling that one card that ruins your perfect column! The moments of tension are palpable, and my friends and I have had some epic showdowns over this mechanic alone.

You get to bank your points if you choose to stop drawing cards. The rule is simple, yet the risk-and-reward factor is what keeps you on your toes. My friend, Sarah, once openly declared, “I like to live dangerously!” just before losing her entire round’s progress. Classic Sarah.

While it’s easy to learn and quick to play, the heavy reliance on luck in “Push” might grind the gears of those who prefer strategy over chance. Despite this, it’s a hoot and a half during game night. But if you seek strategic depth, this game might not be your cup of tea.

Next up, let’s unravel the delightful chaos of player interactions and strategy in “Push.” Get ready!

PUSH - Box remake. I agree the box is annoying. I cut the flaps and glued it inside. - Credit: fmoros

Player Interactions and Strategy

Ah, Push! It’s a board game that turns your Wednesday night into a thrilling test of wits, cunning, and just a smidge of outrageous luck. The real charm of Push lies in the intense player interactions and the simple, yet strategic decisions that make your heart race faster than a hamster on a wheel.

Your turn is where the magic happens. First, you’ll draw cards and decide how far to push your luck. The suspense in the room can get so thick you could cut it with a butter knife! I remember one game night when my friend Tom shouted, “I’m going all in!” only to crash and burn spectacularly. It’s these moments of daring and downfall that make Push a hoot to play with friends.

Strategies can range from playing it safe to going all out with high-risk moves. You’ll find that studying your opponents is as crucial as knowing when to hold and when to fold. My pal Sarah is the queen of bluffing; her poker face could make a statue look expressive. Players often find themselves second-guessing each other’s motives, which adds layers to the fun.

There’s a comical tug of war between caution and recklessness—one minute you’re the hero, and the next, you’re out with a big fat zero. The game subtly teaches you about managing risks while keeping an eye on your opponents’ actions.

You’ll want to tighten those strategy muscles and prepare for a rollercoaster of interactions. Next up, I’ll share the ins and outs of the game’s component quality and design, where the devil is in the details!

PUSH - PUSH, Ravensburger, 2020 — front cover of the German edition (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Component Quality and Design: The Bits and Pieces of ‘Push’

Gather around fellow board game enthusiasts as we check out the component quality and design of ‘Push’. I tell ya, aesthetically, this game is like a party in a box. Not literally of course, because if your box started throwing a party, I’d have questions. But, the colors! Oh, they go together like peanut butter and jelly on a lazy weekend afternoon. Prepare your eyes for a delightful blast of primary hues, which is refreshing compared to some games that look like they were designed during a power outage.

The cards? Solid. If you’ve ever played a game with flimsy cards, you know this is worth celebrating. I once saw a card so thin, I thought it was on a diet. But ‘Push’ boasts sturdy cards that’ll withstand even the most heated game nights where the stakes are higher than a cat on a bookshelf.

Now, let’s talk about the dice. I know what you’re thinking, “How special can dice be?” Well, imagine rolling something that feels like it was crafted by dice artisans. These babies have a heft to them, making each roll feel important, like deciding which slice of pizza will taste the best. And it’s nice when your dice bounce like they mean business.

The point tracker is also worth a mention, with its clear layout that even my grandma can navigate without her glasses. All in all, the game components of ‘Push’ get a thumbs up from me. Next, we’ll see if ‘Push’ leans more toward chance or strategy in our exploration of luck versus skill balance. Stay tuned, my curious comrades!

PUSH - PUSH - Multilingual edition (2022) - Components - Credit: delguindo

Luck Versus Skill: The Balancing Act in ‘Push’

‘Push’ is like playing poker with all jokers. It’s got this thrilling mix of luck and strategy that keeps you on your toes. There’s a choice to make every turn—risk it all or play it safe. But let me tell ya, luck definitely runs the show in this game. You could have a foolproof plan and still end up losing to a card flip.

So, here’s how it works: you draw cards and decide whether or not to keep pushing your luck. It’s laugh-out-loud fun when your friend who’s eluded disaster all evening finally flips an unlucky card. We’ve all been there—watching our cautious plans crumble just because Lady Luck decided to take a weekend off.

Now, I’ve got a love-hate relationship with games where luck is the star. But, ‘Push’ keeps it light-hearted and entertaining by not taking itself too seriously. It’s all in good fun when that ‘perfect’ strategy falls apart because of a rogue card. The game’s unpredictability can actually level the playing field, so even your little brother stands a chance against seasoned gamers.

However, if you prefer games that reward careful planning and strategic genius, ‘Push’ might just push you over the edge. But for casual fun and laughs with friends? It’s a solid choice. Would I recommend it? Heck yeah, if you’re looking for a low-stakes, high-energy game night. Just don’t forget your four-leaf clover!

PUSH - PUSH. Multilingual edition (2022) - Credit: delguindo

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Push’ is a heart-pounding rollercoaster of luck-driven excitement. It’s like poker night but with fewer chips and more laughter. While the reliance on luck might frustrate the strategic masterminds among us, this little card game is perfect for casual players looking for a quick, enjoyable ride. The components are charming, the rules are simple, and the tension is as thick as my aunt’s homemade gravy. Gather your friends who love unpredictable fun, and you’ll have a blast. Just remember, luck is your best pal here, not your strategic prowess!

3.3/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.