Frank’s Zoo

About this board game

Frank’s Zoo is a climbing card game for 3–7 players, with a typical play time of 60 minutes. Across several hands, players compete to get rid of all the cards in their hands as quickly as possible.

Each hand uses colorful illustrated animals as card ranks. Players begin a play by setting out one or more cards of a particular animal variety. Other players may add to the pile only when they have more cards of that animal, or an equal number of another animal that can scare it away.

This unusual animal hierarchy gives Frank’s Zoo its distinctive twist. Instead of relying on conventional numbered ranks, players must recognize which animals can counter others and decide when the right moment has arrived to play their cards.

• Climbing gameplay: Play onto the current pile by matching its animal in greater quantity or using an animal that can scare it away.
• Race to empty your hand: Players score according to how early they get rid of all their cards in each hand.
• Two ways to play: Keep the same structure for every hand, or play with changing partners.
• Special scoring goals: Points are also connected with collecting lions and collecting a hedgehog.

The game rewards careful timing and a clear sense of the animal relationships. Holding cards may preserve future options, while playing too soon can leave you unable to respond to the next challenge.

With its accessible hand-based scoring and playful animal theme, Frank’s Zoo offers a fresh take on the climbing-game format associated with titles such as The Great Dalmuti and Tichu. Whether played with fixed hands or changing partners, each round centers on the same satisfying goal: be the first to run out of cards.