Cheeky Monkey
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher Arclight Games , AURUM, Inc. , Eagle-Gryphon Games , Face2Face Games , Jumping Turtle Games
- Illustration Bob Haime , Valerie Hochberg , Rob Walker
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Cheeky Monkey, you draw animal chips from a bag, deciding whether to keep going or stop to avoid duplicates. You collect, steal, or swap animals, with monkeys adding a strategic twist. The game ends when all chips are claimed, awarding bonus points for the most of each animal type.
Who Is This Game For?
This is a family game suitable for children aged 7 and up, with a short playtime of about 15 minutes making it perfect for quick sessions. The simple rules require no prior experience.
How It Works
Players take turns drawing animal chips using push-your-luck and set collection mechanics. You can stop anytime or risk drawing duplicates that cause you to lose chips. Special rules let you steal or swap animals, especially monkeys. The goal is to score points by collecting the largest sets of animals.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, Cheeky Monkey was nominated for the 2008 Golden Geek Best Children's Board Game and the Japan Boardgame Prize U-more Award. It blends push-your-luck with set collection in a playful animal theme and belongs to the 'Animals: Apes / Monkeys' family.
Awards
2008
2008
Pro
- Easy to learn with clear rules
- Short playtime around 15 minutes
- Combines push-your-luck and set collection
- Supports 2 to 6 players, family-friendly
Contra
- Limited strategic depth
- Not suited for players seeking complex games
- Minimal player interaction
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game features a variety of animals like monkeys, elephants, and seals in a playful animal world rather than a historical setting. It emphasizes a child-friendly animal theme.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Play cautiously and watch which animals have been drawn to avoid unnecessary risks.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Cheeky Monkey is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not have a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 15 minutes, ideal for quick play sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is simple and requires no prior experience, suitable even for children aged 7 and up.
How does this compare to similar games?
Cheeky Monkey combines push-your-luck with set collection in an animal theme, setting it apart from other children's games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it's a family game with simple mechanics and short duration, suitable for children aged 7 and older.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of push-your-luck and set collection mechanics is central to its gameplay.
Fazit
Cheeky Monkey is recommended for families and casual players looking for a fast, engaging collection game. Its short rounds and easy rules make it especially good for children.
