Flick 'em Up!
Grab your opponents in a high-stakes Wild West shootout where skill and precision matter more than dice—flick your wooden cowboys to victory in this tactile, laugh-out-loud duel.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
Wild West dexterity game. Flick wooden cowboys to shoot and move.
How to Play
SETUP: Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding wooden cowboys and sheriff. Place the game board (saloon building) in the center of the table within arm's reach of both players. Set up two opposing sides as your bases. Place all wooden bullets in a shared pile nearby. Ensure you have a clear, flat playing surface with no obstructions.
GAMEPLAY: Players alternate turns. On your turn, flick one of your wooden cowboys toward opponent targets. Use your finger to flick the cowboy piece across the board—the goal is to hit enemy cowboys, knock them out of play, or achieve specific board objectives. When you successfully hit an opponent's cowboy, that piece is removed from the game. You may also flick to occupy key positions on the board, which may grant you special actions or points depending on your scenario.
EACH TURN: Flick one cowboy piece. If it hits an opponent's piece, remove the hit piece. If your flick goes out of bounds or misses, your turn ends. Some scenarios include special rules for collecting bullets or controlling the saloon.
WINNING CONDITIONS: Victory depends on your chosen scenario. In the basic "Duel" format, the first player to eliminate all opposing cowboys wins. Alternative scenarios include timed rounds where the player with the most remaining cowboys after a set time wins, or objective-based modes where controlling the saloon or collecting specific items determines victory.
2-PLAYER ADAPTATION: Flick 'em Up! is naturally designed for 2-4 players, and two-player mode works exceptionally well. Simply use the two-player scenarios included in the rulebook, which streamline gameplay and create balanced competitive matches. Both players have equal opportunities each round with no downtime between turns.
History & Background
Flick 'em Up! emerged from the golden age of dexterity board games in the early 2010s, when designers began exploring how physical skill could create engaging tabletop experiences beyond traditional dice-rolling mechanics. Created by Pretzel Games, the game drew inspiration from classic flicking games while introducing a unique Wild West theme that captured players' imaginations. The clever use of wooden components—cowboys, bullets, and a saloon building—transformed what could have been a simple physics puzzle into an immersive thematic experience that transported players directly to the dusty streets of frontier towns.
The game's design philosophy prioritized accessibility and player engagement, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers to modern board gaming while remaining engaging for experienced players. The two-player experience was deliberately balanced to ensure neither player experienced downtime, with both competitors getting equal opportunities each round. This design choice proved particularly effective for head-to-head play, establishing Flick 'em Up! as a standout option for competitive duelers seeking quick, skill-based matches.
Flick 'em Up! achieved cultural significance within the board gaming community by revitalizing interest in dexterity mechanics and demonstrating that flicking games could offer strategic depth beyond mere luck. The multiple scenario variations—from basic duels to objective-based modes—allowed players to customize their experience and replay the game with fresh challenges. Over time, the game spawned expansions and inspired countless imitators, solidifying its position as a modern classic that proved dexterity games deserved a prominent place in contemporary board gaming. Its success helped establish Pretzel Games as an innovative publisher dedicated to creating memorable, physically engaging gaming experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Flick 'em Up! with 2 players?
Yes! Flick 'em Up! is an excellent choice for 2 players — in fact, it's designed specifically for a duo. You'll get the full experience without any compromises.
How long does Flick 'em Up! take to play?
A typical game of Flick 'em Up! takes about 30-60 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Flick 'em Up!?
To play Flick 'em Up!, you need: Flick 'em Up game. That's it — no special equipment required.
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