Elephants in an Elevator

Elephants in an Elevator

SimplyFun · Board game · 2026
Ludopedia BGG 2–5 15–25 min
Buy
rating Ludopedia
rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for families with kids who want to learn math while having fun.

Highlights
  • Simple and intuitive rules
  • Quick and dynamic gameplay
  • Fun and charismatic theme
  • Great for practicing addition
Keep in mind
  • Might be too simple for hardcore gamers
  • Luck heavily influences the outcome
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever wondered about the chaos of trying to squeeze several elephants into a single elevator? Welcome to the Watering Hole Hotel, where that's exactly the goal! In Elephants in an Elevator, you and your friends engage in a battle of addition and luck to see who can fill the elevator's space without causing a total disaster. The dynamics are simple yet tense: players add elephant cards (and some luggage) to the line, summing up the values as the cards appear. The objective is to get as close as possible to the elevator's capacity limit, but be careful: if you're the one who pushes the total over the limit, the party's over and you get nothing!

The real trick here is the predictive strategy. You need to calculate whether that next elephant fits in the remaining space or if it's better to play cautiously to force your opponent to bust the count. The player who manages to place the final card that fills the elevator without exceeding the maximum capacity wins the round and scoops up all the cards in the play line. At the end of the game, the player with the most cards is crowned the master of hotel logistics.

This game is an excellent choice for those looking to introduce children to the world of board games, as it exercises basic math (addition) in a super light and fun way. With quick matches lasting between 15 and 25 minutes, it's perfect for breaks between activities or for playing with the whole family. It's the kind of 'filler' game that doesn't require hours of manual reading but generates plenty of laughs when someone tries to shove a giant elephant into an elevator that's already about to explode. Pack your bags and good luck trying not to crash everything!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Elephants
Publisher SimplyFun
Designer Reiner Knizia

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2owners
5wishlist
1want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
What age group is this game for?
It's a children's game, ideal for kids who can perform basic addition, making it great for early math learning.
How long does a game take?
Very quick! Matches last between 15 and 25 minutes, perfect for those who don't want to spend the whole afternoon on one game.
How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 5 players, making it very versatile for different group sizes.
Is it a complex game to learn?
Not at all! The mechanic is straightforward: sum the values and try not to exceed the limit. Everyone will be playing within a few minutes.
Is it pure luck or is there strategy?
There's a luck element in the card draw, but strategy comes in when deciding whether to risk adding another elephant or passing the turn to the next player.

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