The Sheep Race

About this board game

The Sheep Race is a betting and racing game for 2–6 players, with games lasting around 45 minutes. Players compete across three races to determine which sheep farmers can collect the most from their wagers.

Each race features six sheep, each beginning with colored breath cubes and three movement speeds: trot, walk, and gallop. On a turn, a player rolls a standard d6 together with a die showing 0, 0, 0, 1, 2, or 3. The result identifies which sheep moves: a 7 or 8 affects a sheep in one of the outer lanes, while a 9 moves the lazy sheep at the back of the pack.

The chosen sheep can use one of its three movement types, advancing the indicated distance while spending the required breath cubes. Alternatively, it can rest and recover two blue breath cubes. A sheep that reaches the final five spaces of its lane with no cubes remaining becomes exhausted, meaning it can no longer move or rest.

• The race ends when three sheep cross the finish line or every sheep is exhausted.
• The first three finishers pay out, even if an exhausted sheep occupies one of those positions.
• Players place three bets in each of the first two races and two secret bets in the final race.

With the advanced rules, players choose which sheep to move and play a single race while betting on the complete finishing order. Sheep may also become blocked, moving again only after the flock leader passes them.

With its shifting pace, limited breath, hidden wagers, and unpredictable pack movement, The Sheep Race turns a countryside championship into a lively contest of timing and risk.