Chimera & More

About this board game

Chimera & More is a 3–5 player card game with an approximately 90-minute play time, offering two climbing- and shedding-based games inspired by titles such as Tichu, The Great Dalmuti, Big Two, and Dou Dizhu.

The three-player game is a contest of two against one. At the start of each hand, one player bids to become the Chimera, while the other two players join forces as the Chimera Hunters. The opposing sides then compete to defeat one another through the play of each hand.

Players earn points over several hands. Chimera for three players is normally played to 400 points, although the group may choose a shorter or longer game. Once one or more players reaches the designated point score, the player with the most points wins.

• Three-player Chimera: one Chimera faces two allied Chimera Hunters.
• Five-player Chimera: one player bids to become the Chimera, then chooses a partner through a bid system.
• Card-game format: both versions use climbing- and shedding-based play.

In the five-player version, the selected partner is called the Pi Ya. Together, the Chimera and Pi Ya face the remaining three players, who form the Chimera Hunters. This version adds cards and rules while preserving the central contest of choosing sides and competing across hands.

Previously published as Chimera by ZMAN Games, Chimera & More was released in 2017. Its two player-count options give groups a choice between a direct three-player alliance and a larger five-player team battle, with both formats normally played to 400 points.