Description

First game of the Button Shy Big Box series

Is a zebra black with white stripes? Or black with white stripes?

Players fit shapes within a grid, adding striped patterns which not only affect their score but also define where additional shapes may go. If a player can’t fit a shape, they must instead add circles which deduct points during scoring

Did you know that you can theoretically color in any map using at most 4 colors, no matter how complicated the borders are? Well you’re going to put the 4-color theory to the ultimate test. Try to fill in your player sheet with as few patterns as possible, all while being efficient in your polyomino placement.

Each turn, you’ll flip over a single card that has a polyomino shape on it. You’ll either draw it, pause, or pass.

When you draw a shape, you have to draw it next to a shape already on your sheet. You then fill it with 1 of 4 different striped patterns. The shape you draw can’t have the same pattern as any of the other shapes it touches. You want to use as few patterns as possible,since the first pattern is worth the most points and other patterns go down in value.

If you don’t want to draw the shape, you can pause. Fill in all of the empty spaces in an enclosed area with circles. This way, you can try and wait for the perfect piece to pop up. But be careful, circles are worth negative points at the end of the game, so use this power wisely.

If you can’t fit the shape AND you can’t pause, you have to pass. Fill in a single space on your sheet with a circle. Once you have fewer than 4 empty spaces together anywhere on your sheet, your game is over. Fill in all remaining spaces with circles.

At the end of the game, total up your points. These shapes are worth 4 points each, these ones are worth 2 points each, and these ones are worth 1 point each. These ones aren’t worth anything, but you’ll get a bonus 5 points if you don’t have ANY shapes with this pattern. Very efficient of you!

Zebra has players think differently about how polyominoes are placed, not just how tightly packed they are. It’s not just black and white! Zebra is quick, easy to teach, and gives you a player sheet you’d be proud to hang on your wall once you’re done playing. Thanks for watching!