By Golly!

999 Games, Gigamic, Rio Grande Games · Board game · 2001
— Ludopedia 5.9 BGG 2–6 · best 3 15 min Weight 1.1/5
Buy · from US$ 12.85
— rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy fast, memory‑boosting games with cute critters, By Golly! hits the spot.

Highlights
  • 15‑minute playtime
  • Very simple rules
  • Bright artwork
Keep in mind
  • Relies solely on visual memory
  • Lacks strategic depth
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

By Golly! is a memory game designed for kids (and anyone who still feels like a kid). Each player gets a hand of bright cards depicting birds, worms and other critters, while about 20 matching cards are laid face‑down in the middle of the table. The goal? Find the right matches and clear your hand before anyone else does. Play proceeds in quick turns: a player flips a central card, tries to recall where its twin is in their hand, and if they succeed they discard both. A miss leaves the card face‑up for the next player. Memory is the star, training attention and visual recall without feeling like work – the lively bird and worm artwork keeps the vibe upbeat. With 2‑6 players and roughly 15 minutes per game, it’s perfect for short sessions or a breather between heavier titles. The rules are straightforward, the only component is a deck of cards, and the difficulty is very low (BGG weight 1.07), making it suitable for children from about 4‑5 years old and adults who enjoy a quick mental challenge. Part of Zoch’s "The Chicken Family" series, fans of the line will recognize the charming aesthetic. In short, By Golly! offers light‑hearted fun, a cognitive boost, and plenty of cuteness in a compact package.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Worms Series: The Chicken Family of Zoch
Publisher 999 Games, Gigamic, Rio Grande Games, Zoch Verlag
Designer Frank Nestel
Artist Doris Matthäus

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

831owners
42wishlist
9want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 6 players.
What is the typical playtime?
About 15 minutes per game.
What is the minimum recommended age?
Around 4‑5 years, thanks to the simple rules.
What components are included?
A deck of colorful cards featuring birds, worms and other animals.
Is it suitable for adults?
Yes, it works as a quick, fun filler between heavier games.
Are there expansions or variants?
No official expansions; the base game stands on its own.
Do I need a lot of table space?
No, just enough room for the 20 face‑down central cards.

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