Ribbit

About this board game

Ribbit is a 20-minute racing game for 2–5 players, ages 5 and up, in which turtles compete to reach a tasty salad at the far end of the field. First released in 2004, it combines secret identities, card-driven movement, and a memorable stacking mechanic.

Before the race begins, each player secretly draws a color to discover which turtles they support. The turtles move according to cards drawn from a common pool, with each player choosing from a hand of five cards. Because colors and intentions are hidden, every move can make the race more unpredictable.

Movement cards show colored turtles or rainbow turtles and allow actions such as moving one or two spaces forward or one space backward. Some rainbow cards can also move the last turtle forward, creating opportunities to change the order of the race.

• Secret teams: Privately identify the color you are backing.
• Card selection: Choose movement actions from five cards in hand.
• Stacking turtles: A turtle landing on another rests on top of it.
• Carrying movement: When a turtle moves, any turtles stacked on it move along too.

The stacking rules make every position important. A turtle that seems behind may be carried forward, while a well-placed move can transport several turtles at once. Since players do not reveal their colors, you must weigh each card choice without knowing exactly who benefits.

In Ribbit, the first turtle to reach the final field wins. SimplyFun’s 2007 reprint uses frogs instead of turtles, while keeping the central race and carrying concept.