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
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
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
Cons
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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