Tally Ho!

Rio Grande Games, Spear's Games, 999 Games · Board game · 1973
6.6 Ludopedia 6.2 BGG 2 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.5/5
Buy · from US$ 15.43
6.6 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love quick duels with a hunting theme, Tally Ho! serves up fun and strategy in half an hour.

Highlights
  • engaging hunting theme
  • asymmetric mechanics
  • short playtime
Keep in mind
  • early luck can dominate
  • no official expansions
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Tally Ho! pits you and your opponent in a forest hunt duel that starts under a blanket of face‑down tiles. One player commands hunters and lumberjacks, the other controls foxes and bears. As tiles are turned over and shifted, pathways emerge, letting lumberjacks cut aisles that become hunting fields and allowing bears to use those same corridors to track the humans. Both sides also hunt the ducks that are simply trying to live in peace. The game blends early‑game luck – the first tile reveals can dramatically reshape the board – with late‑game strategy, once the layout is known and players can plan captures and blocks. Grid movement on a square board, static capture, and variable player powers give each side a distinct identity, while end‑game bonuses reward area control and piece elimination. In about thirty minutes the match flows quickly yet offers enough depth for those who like to think two steps ahead. Perfect for intense two‑player duels, Tally Ho! delivers a hunting theme reminiscent of western tales, but with a light, accessible feel that suits anyone seeking a fast, thematic, and highly replayable game. Originally published by Spear Spiele in 1973, Kosmos re‑issued it in 2000, preserving the simple rules and charming artwork that still delight players of all ages.

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Animals: Bears Animals: Ducks Animals: Foxes Components: 7 x 7 Grids Digital Implementations: Yucata Players: Two-Player Only Games Series: Two-player games (Kosmos) Sports: Hunting
Publisher Rio Grande Games, Spear's Games, 999 Games, Albi, Kaissa Chess & Games, Korea Boardgames, KOSMOS, MINDOK, Paper Iyagi, Tilsit
Designer Rudi Hoffmann
Artist Franz Vohwinkel, Hanne Horstkötter, Rudi Hoffmann

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

4,905owners
277wishlist
67want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
Exactly two players, each controlling opposite sides.
How long does a game take?
About 30 minutes, varying with player familiarity.
What is the game's complexity?
Light – BGG weight 1.5/5, easy to learn but with strategic depth.
What components are included?
A 7×7 grid board, animal pieces, face‑down forest tiles, and scoring markers.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of tactical duels, hunting themes, or quick two‑player games.

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