13 Animals

Set collection here leans on rummy logic but with a twist: the flexible player count and the “Rainbow win” scoring push players to read the table and pivot strategies mid-hand. The dual scoring—Stars and Victory Points—means you’ll need to pause for a quick rules check at the first scoring, but after that, the flow is smooth. This one’s been hitting the table almost every week, not because it’s flashy, but because it rewards sharp hand management and quick adaptation. The appeal for veteran groups is the way a strong opening hand can be leveraged for big swings, keeping even short sessions tense and satisfying. Physically, the game is a breeze to wrangle. The box is basic but leaves enough space for sleeved cards and a pen, which is a rare bit of foresight. Setup is just a matter of dealing out cards and flipping a few to start the discard piles—no fiddly bits, no trays, no wasted time. The footprint is small enough for cramped tables, though honestly, the packaging could have been trimmed down even further for true pocket portability. In practice, this is a classic gap-filler: it’s out and running before the main event, or it fills the lull between heavier games without ever feeling like a throwaway. Teaching is straightforward—by round two, most players are self-sufficient, though you’ll want to stick around for the first scoring to clarify the dual track. The animal suits are distinct, so there’s little risk of confusion, even with new players. Once the basics are down, you can step away to manage other tables; the competitive interaction keeps the table lively, with players watching each other’s discards and jockeying for sets. The energy stays high, and the quick teach-and-repeat loop means you can run multiple sessions in a single night. For curators, this Singaporean find is a clear target—fast, portable, and always in demand.