Too Many Monkeys (2009) Board Game

Too Many Monkeys is a card game designed by Mike Moran and published by Gamewright in in 2009. It is a fun and fast-paced game that is suitable for children aged 6 and above. The game revolves around players trying to get rid of all their monkeys in order to win.

Game Components of Too Many Monkeys

55 cards

Rules in Spanish

Rules of Play

How To Setup Too Many Monkeys

To set up the game, each player starts with six cards placed in front of them, face down. There is a draw deck in the middle of the table, and a discard deck is created as the game progresses. The first player draws a card from the deck and attempts to place it in the corresponding numerical slot in their lineup.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw cards from the deck or discard pile to fill their slots.

Number Sequencing: Players aim to uncover cards in numerical order from 1 to 6.

Special Cards:

Giraffe and Elephant: End the player’s turn and are discarded.

Raccoon: Allows the player to search the discard pile for a specific monkey card.

Hello My Name is Skip: Skips the next player’s turn.

Wild Monkey: Can be placed in any slot and moved later if a duplicate number is drawn.

Objective: The first player to get their cards in order from 1 to 6, then reduce their lineup to 5, 4, 3, 2, and finally 1, wins the game. If the last card is a 1 or a Wild Monkey, the player wins.

Player Experience

Too Many Monkeys is designed for 2-6 players and is suitable for children aged 6 and above. The game typically lasts about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and engaging activity for families or young gamers. The gameplay involves strategic thinking and a bit of luck, as players need to navigate the challenges posed by special cards.

Pros

Educational Value: Reinforces number sequencing and probability skills.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range and multiple players.

Short Gameplay: ideal for short play sessions.

Interactive: Engaging mechanics with special cards that add excitement.

Cons

Out of Print: Currently not widely available.

Luck Factor: The game can be heavily influenced by the cards drawn, which may not appeal to players seeking more strategic depth.

Simple Mechanics: May not be challenging enough for older players.

Personal Thoughts on Too Many Monkeys

Too Many Monkeys is perfect for families with young children or for anyone looking for a light, fun card game. It promotes basic math skills and teaches children about probability in an entertaining way. However, due to its simplicity and the luck factor involved, it might not hold the attention of older players or those seeking more complex game mechanics. Despite being out of print, it remains a charming and educational game for its intended audience.

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