Donkey Derby (2016) Board Game

Donkey Derby is a racing board game designed by Walter Müller and published by franjos Spieleverlag in in 2016. The game incorporates elements of betting and bluffing, as players roll dice to determine the movement of their donkeys. With colorful artwork by Klemens Franz and Walter Müller, Donkey Derby offers a fun and engaging experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Donkey Derby

5 donkey game pieces

Betting tokens

Dice

Game board

Player boards

Rulebook

How To Setup Donkey Derby

Setting up Donkey Derby involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area, distributing the betting tokens among the players, and each player selecting a player board. The five donkey pieces are positioned at the starting line on the board. Each player receives a set amount of betting tokens to use throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Betting and Bluffing: Players bet on which donkey will win the race.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine how many spaces each donkey moves.

Game Objective:

The objective is to correctly bet on the winning donkey and manage your bets strategically to maximize your winnings.

Player Experience

In Donkey Derby, players engage in a thrilling race where they not only move the donkeys but also bet on the outcomes. The game combines luck from dice rolling with strategic betting, making it a fun and interactive experience. Players must balance their bets carefully, as making the right bet early can significantly impact their chances of winning.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of betting and bluffing adds a layer of strategy and social interaction.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 9 and above, making it a good option for family game nights.

Quick Gameplay: The game is relatively short, lasting between 25 to 35 minutes.

Cons

Luck-Based: The dice rolling mechanism introduces a significant element of luck, which might not appeal to players seeking more strategic games.

Limited Complexity: The game’s simplicity might make it less appealing to experienced gamers looking for more complex mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Donkey Derby

Donkey Derby is ideal for families or casual gamers looking for a light-hearted and entertaining game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy simple, quick games with a mix of luck and strategy. However, it may not be the best fit for gamers seeking deep strategic gameplay or complex mechanics. Overall, it’s a fun and accessible game that can add some excitement to your game night repertoire.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.