Clear 4
- Designer Joe Ward , Christine Ward
- Publisher Schmidt Spiele
- Illustration Kinetic , Leon Schiffer
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What to Expect
You race to clear your piles and hand faster than opponents by playing number cards and special cards (PUSH, CLEAR, JOKER) to a discard pile. When four cards of the same value are visible in the fanned discard pile, it is removed and the active player gets another turn. The game is short (around 15 minutes) and hinges on timing pushes, clears and revealing face-down cards at the right moment.
Who Is This Game For?
Good for casual groups and families with children aged 8 and up who enjoy quick, tactical card games. It’s not a long, strategic euro—rather a compact party/family title with easy-to-learn rules. Some basic familiarity with hand-management concepts helps but newcomers adapt quickly.
How It Works
Each player has several piles and a hand of number and special cards dealt face down. On your turn you play one or more same-valued number cards from your hand, play a special card (PUSH or CLEAR), or pass. Hand Management is key: decide which values to discard and when to trigger discard-pile removal. PUSH forces an opponent to take the discard pile into their hand; CLEAR removes the discard pile and grants another turn. JOKERs act as any value.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Joe Ward and Christine Ward and published by Schmidt Spiele. Clear 4 pairs simple hand-management with discard-pile interactions (four identical visible values remove the pile), creating short, tactical rounds driven by PUSH/CLEAR dynamics.
Pro
- Very short playtime (~15 minutes) enabling multiple sessions
- Simple rules and quick learning curve
- High player interaction via PUSH and CLEAR effects
- Clear hand-management focus
Contra
- Limited strategic depth for heavy gamers
- Element of luck from face-down cards and draws
- Not playable solo (2–6 players)
Setting & atmosphere
Abstract card game with no narrative setting. Gameplay revolves around numbers and three special card types (JOKER, PUSH, CLEAR).
Tips for beginners
Focus on managing your hand values and use PUSH/CLEAR to create extra turns or disrupt opponents; the rules are straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. Clear 4 is designed for 2–6 players.
How long does a game really take?
Playtime is about 15 minutes, making it suitable for quick multiple rounds.
What prior experience do I need?
Minimal. Basic hand-management understanding is helpful but newcomers learn quickly.
How does this compare to similar games?
Clear 4 combines hand management with distinct PUSH/CLEAR discard-pile interactions and the mechanic of removing the discard pile when four identical values are visible.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. With a minimum age of 8 and short duration it fits family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
Hand Management together with discard-pile removal triggered by four visible identical values, plus PUSH/CLEAR specials.
Fazit
Recommended if you want a short, interactive card game for 2–6 players. Players seeking deeper, longer strategy games should look elsewhere.
