Jungle Speed Rules: A Fast-Paced Card Game for All Ages

Jungle Speed is a thrilling card game that originated from the Aboulou tribe in Spidopotamia subtropical region, over 3000 years ago. The game has been reimagined by Thomas Vuarchex and Pierric Yakovenko (Tom & Yako) and is now published by Asmodee Editions. It's a tribal game that can be played by 2 to 80 players, with an age recommendation of 7 years and up. You can purchase the game here.

Objective

The objective of Jungle Speed is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by successfully grabbing the central totem during duels. However, beware of traps and special events that can change the course of the game!

Setup

1. Place the totem in the center of the table.
2. Evenly distribute 80 face-down cards (without looking at them) among all players.
3. The game is played clockwise, with each player revealing a card on their turn and turning it face-down again on the next turn. Cards are placed in front of the players to create a stack of revealed cards.

How to Play

1. Duel: When two identical symbols (ignoring color) are visible on the table, a duel ensues. The first player to grab the totem wins the round and takes all the face-up cards from the losing player as well as any cards in the "pot" (a pile of cards placed under the totem). If no one grabs the totem within a few seconds, everyone passes their turn.
2. Special Cards - Arrows: There are three types of arrow cards that can change the flow of the game:
   • External arrows: When this card appears, all players reveal a card simultaneously and compare them. If no match is found, play continues with the next player.
   • Internal arrows: All players rush to grab the totem. The player holding the totem places their discarded cards in the pot, and play resumes with that player.
   • Colored arrows (for games with 3 or more players): If a player has cards of the same color visible, a similar effect occurs as with internal arrows. In multiplayer duels, the winner chooses which losing player receives their cards.
3. Errors: A player who grabs the totem when it's not necessary (e.g., during an external arrow round or in response to a duel that doesn't involve them) must pick up all face-up cards from all players and place them in their own stack.
4. Only one hand should be used during gameplay; the other hand should remain on the table with palms facing up.

Scoring and End of Game

1. The game continues until one player has no more cards. That player does not win immediately, but must wait for all other players to finish their turns.
2. The game ends when only two players are left in the game, or when a player successfully plays their last card, placing it in the pot and winning the game.

Common Variants

Some players may choose to play with different rules or house rules. Always agree on these variations before starting the game to ensure everyone understands the modified rules.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting that only identical symbols, not colors, trigger duels.
2. Grabbing the totem when it's unnecessary (e.g., during an external arrow round).
3. Using two hands during gameplay.
4. Failing to place discarded cards in the pot when required (e.g., during internal arrow rounds or multiplayer duels).