Tarantel Tango (2009) Board Game

Tarantel Tango is an action/dexterity card game designed by Jacques Zeimet and released in 2009 by ADC Blackfire Entertainment. The game is suitable for children aged 7 and above and can be played by 2 to 5 players. The game involves players acting out different animal movements in real-time, adding an element of fun and excitement to the gameplay.

Game Components of Tarantel Tango

120 animal cards (including dog, cow, donkey, goat, cat, parrot, and 5 special tarantula cards)

A five-sided Tarantula tile

Rulebook available in multiple languages (Czech, English, German)

How To Setup Tarantel Tango

To set up the game, each player receives a share of the animal cards and forms their own face-down stack. The Tarantula tile is placed in the middle of the table. Players arrange themselves around the table, ready to place their cards clockwise around the Tarantula tile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Acting: Players must imitate the sounds of animals on previous cards.

Real-time: Players have a 2-second time limit to place their cards.

Dexterity: Quick placement of cards and physical reactions (like smacking hands on the table) are required.

Action: Players must react quickly to the cards played.

Game Objective

The goal is to get rid of one’s cards as fast as possible.

Players place their top card down in the next slot clockwise around the Tarantula tile, unless specific rules apply (e.g., two animals on the previous card, or special rules for donkeys and dogs).

If a Tarantula card is played, all players must smack their hand down on the table.

Mistakes or slow reactions result in the player taking all cards on the table into their own stack.

Player Experience

Tarantel Tango is a dynamic and chaotic game that demands quick reflexes and attention. The acting mechanic adds a fun and interactive element, as players must vocalize animal sounds based on the previous card. The game’s pace is rapid, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fast-paced, real-time games.

Pros

Engaging and Interactive: The acting and sound-making elements make the game highly engaging.

Fast-Paced: Quick gameplay keeps players alert and entertained.

Simple to Learn: Despite the chaos, the rules are straightforward and easy to understand.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 7 and above.

Cons

High Chance of Mistakes: The speed and complexity can lead to frequent mistakes.

Limited Strategy: The game is more about quick reactions than strategic planning.

Repetitive: Some players may find the repetitive nature of the game (placing cards and making sounds) monotonous.

Personal Thoughts on Tarantel Tango

Tarantel Tango is ideal for families and groups looking for a fun, interactive game that doesn’t require long setup times or complex strategies. It’s perfect for those who enjoy action/dexterity games and are ready for a lively, laughter-filled gaming experience. However, players seeking deeper strategic games may find Tarantel Tango too simple or repetitive.

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