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Frank’s Zoo (1999) Board Game

Frank’s Zoo is a card game that was released in 1999 by designers Doris Matthäus and Frank Nestel. It is a fun and engaging game that revolves around animals and features hand management, ladder climbing, and team-based gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Frank’s Zoo

  • A deck of cards with various animal designs
  • Special cards that affect scoring
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup Frank’s Zoo

    To set up Frank’s Zoo, players first shuffle the deck and distribute the cards evenly among the players. The game supports 3-7 players, though it is best with 4-6. Players then form temporary partnerships that change over several hands.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category: Card game, trick-taking
  • Game Mechanics: Climbing, trick-taking, changing partners
  • Objective: Be the first to get rid of all your cards in each hand.
  • Scoring: Scores are based on how early in the hand a player gets rid of all their cards and the special cards they take in tricks.

    Player Experience

    In Frank’s Zoo, players engage in multiple hands, each with temporary partnerships. The dynamic nature of the partnerships adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability. Players must carefully manage their card plays to be the first to clear their hand while minimizing the impact of special cards on their score.

    Pros

  • Dynamic Partnerships: Changes in partnerships over hands keep the game exciting and unpredictable.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and card management.
  • Family-Friendly: The cute animal designs make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

    Cons

  • Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it harder to find.
  • Learning Curve: The rules and special cards can take some time to understand for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Frank’s Zoo

    Frank’s Zoo is ideal for groups of 4-6 players who enjoy trick-taking games with a twist. The changing partnerships and special scoring cards add complexity and replay value, making it a great choice for those who like strategic card games. However, its out-of-print status may make it challenging to acquire.

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