A Fistful of Penguins is a frantic filler that shines through its simplicity and the tension of every roll. It is perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced dice games where managing luck is the key to success. The mechanic of using penguins to manipulate results adds a satisfying tactical layer to such a short game.
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Highlights
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Very fun dice mechanics
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Fast and dynamic gameplay
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High replayability with advanced mode
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Constant player interaction
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Keep in mind
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High reliance on dice luck
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Can be chaotic for some
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Basic version is quite simple
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you are looking for a fast, chaotic, and animal-filled game to enjoy with friends, A Fistful of Penguins is exactly what you need. The premise is simple and straightforward: you are a zoo curator trying to assemble the best animal collection to make the most money after three intense rounds. The heart of the game is rolling custom dice. Each face represents a different animal, and each has a unique scoring strategy that will force you to make quick and often risky decisions. Kangaroos, for instance, score by the square of the number of dice you gather, which encourages greed. Lions offer a high financial return, but beware: if you choose to score them, they monopolize your turn and no other animal counts. Camels are a safe bet, but they lose all their value if a lion appears in your roll. There are also squirrels, which are used to steal money from opponents, and moose, which are the most valuable but require a squirrel to be present to score. And we cannot forget the penguins! They are the only ones that do not give direct money, but they grant penguin tokens. These tokens are your strategic 'wildcard,' allowing you to add more dice to your group or re-roll any results you don't like. Starting your turn with a fistful of penguins is almost a guarantee of success, as it gives you the control needed to manipulate the luck of the dice. The game offers a basic version, perfect for introducing new players and learning the symbols, and an advanced version that adds the depth that more experienced gamers seek. It is an excellent filler to warm up the table or for those moments when you want something light but still requiring a good dose of logical thinking under pressure. The interaction is constant, especially when squirrels come into play to disrupt other players' plans. If you enjoy 'roll and keep' games with a fun theme and a touch of strategy, this game will win you over with its simplicity and the constant tension of seeing what fate has in store for your next roll.
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1–6 players
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Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Animals: PenguinsComponents: Dice with IconsComponents: Meeples (Animal) / AnimeeplesPlayers: Games with Solitaire RulesTheme: Zoos, Aquaria, Safari Parks
businessPublisherWattsalpoag Games, Arclight Games
editDesignerJonathan Franklin
paletteArtistMike Raabe
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,497owners
136wishlist
29want to play
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
How long does a game last? expand_more
It is quite fast, usually around 15 minutes per session.
How many people can play? expand_more
The game supports 1 to 6 players and works very well in larger groups.
Is it hard to learn? expand_more
Not at all, the weight is quite low (1.35). It is easy to teach, especially the basic version.
Does it have a solo mode? expand_more
Yes, it includes rules for solo play, which is great for practicing your strategies.
Are the components good? expand_more
Yes, the custom dice and animal meeples add a special charm to the table.
What is the difference in the advanced version? expand_more
The advanced version adds more strategic depth, recommended for those who have mastered the basic rules.