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Animal Poker (1988) Board Game

ByMichail

Animal Poker is a classic board game that was released in 1988 by HeidelBÄR Games. The game is designed for 4-8 players, making it a great option for larger groups or families. With a playing time of around 60 minutes, Animal Poker is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game features adorable animal-themed artwork by Kel Alexander and Annika Brüning.

Game Components of Animal Poker

  • 1 Rulebook
  • 115 Deluxe Cards, including:
    – 104 number cards
    – 3 freelancer cards (acting as jokers)
    – 8 job cards representing different hierarchical positions in a company.

    How To Setup Animal Poker

    To set up the game, the intern (the lowest-ranking player) shuffles the cards and deals them out. Each player receives a set of cards, and the game is ready to begin. The hierarchical positions in the company are determined by the players’ current ranks, ranging from the intern to the CEO.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** Card Game
  • Mechanics:** Ladder Climbing, Trick-taking
  • Objective:** Players aim to get rid of all their cards as quickly as possible to climb the corporate ladder. The higher your rank, the more cards you can demand from lower-ranking players and the better your chances of winning.
  • Gameplay:**
    – Before each round, high-ranking players can ask for the best cards from lower ranks and must give them their worst.
    – Players match or beat the card value on the discard pile to discard their cards.
    – Multiple cards of the same rank can be played, forcing other players to match the number of cards.
    – The first player to run out of cards becomes the new CEO, swapping places with the previous CEO.

    Player Experience

    Animal Poker is designed for 4-8 players aged 8 and up, with each round lasting approximately 20 minutes. The game is set in a whimsical office environment where animal characters hold various jobs, adding a fun and light-hearted element to the gameplay. Players must balance strategy with a bit of luck, using the freelancer cards wisely to turn the game in their favor.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** The game combines trick-taking and ladder climbing, making it engaging and competitive.
  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great family game.
  • Short Game Length:** Each round is relatively short, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
  • Unique Theme:** The use of animal characters in a corporate setting adds a humorous and unique twist.

    Cons

  • Luck Factor:** The game involves a significant amount of luck, which might frustrate strategic players.
  • Limited Depth:** The gameplay mechanics, while fun, may not be complex enough for experienced gamers.
  • Historical Controversy:** The game’s original publisher, Hexagames, was involved in financial controversies, which might be of interest to some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Animal Poker

    Animal Poker is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light-hearted, fun card game. It’s perfect for game nights or quick family gatherings, offering a simple yet engaging experience. However, seasoned gamers might find the game mechanics too simplistic and the luck factor too high. Overall, it’s a great choice for those seeking an entertaining and easy-to-learn card game.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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