This is one of our favorite go-to games for both the kids and adults. It’s fast paced, engaging, simple to learn and easy to play. It is consistently fun with 2 or 5 players. What more could you ask for in a game?!
Zeus on the Loose is a quick number counting game for ages 8+. The goal is to be the player with Zeus in hand by climbing up Mount Olympus by numbers without going over 100 to win the round. The winner of each round wins a letter. To win the game, the first player to spell Z-E-U-S wins!
- Ages 8+
- 15 minute game play
- 2-5 players
- Addition/Subtraction game
Overview
The box contains the instruction booklet, 56 point and greek god cards and a plastic Zeus figurine.
Number Cards
Greek god cards
Zeus figurine
Game Set Up
Shuffle the deck and pass out 4 cards face down to each player. Players may look at their cards.
The remaining cards are placed facedown in the center of the table. All players should be within reach of the draw pile.
Place the Zeus figurine next to the draw pile.
You’ll also need something to keep score with, either pen and paper, or your phone notepad.
Game Play
The person whose name begins with a letter closest to Z begins the game.
The first player plays any card to begin the game. This begins the trek up Mount Olympus. Place it face up next to the draw pile. All cards will be placed there throughout the game. There are no restrictions on which card can be played first.
The game is played in order around the table by one player at a time. Play begins by player 1 placing one (1) card on the discard pile, AKA Mount Olympus, then picking up enough cards from the draw pile to replenish their hand to 4. You may play either Greek god cards or number cards on your turn.
The number on Mount Olympus can never go below 0. Even if it’s a subtract card, the lowest points Mount Olympus can go is 0.
If at any time a player forgets to draw back to 4 at the end of his turn, they may only draw enough for the rest of the round equaling that number. For example, if player 3 only has 2 cards and forgets to draw, they may only pick up enough to equal to 2 in future turns. This rule expires at the end of the round and the next round all players begin with 4 cards.
Ways to Steal Zeus
Total ending in 0
Any player plays a card that totals Mount Olympus to a number that ends in zero EXCEPT 0. Just so we’re clear, these numbers bring Zeus to you! 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80. 90 or 100.
Same Number Sneak
Anytime an opponent plays a number on Mount Olympus that matches a card in your hand, you can immediately play the matching card and steal Zeus, even if it’s not your turn. After laying down the card, announce the new total and take Zeus. Play then continues to the left of the player who played the matching card. This is the only time players may play out of turn. Don’t forget to pick up a card to bring your hand back to 4!
You may not play a matching number on a card you just played.
Only number cards may be used. Greek god cards can’t be stacked.
*Our house rules: while the rules don’t expressly say, we’ve always played that any number of people can play a matching card, which can move Zeus around quickly! Players must announce the new total when placing their card down. Once everyone has played, the game resumes to the left of the player who played the last matching card. Don’t forget to grab enough cards to bring your hand back to 4!
Greek god Cards
Play a Greek god card that reads “ Steal Zeus”. This includes:
- Aphrodite
- Apollo
- Ares
- Artemis
- Hera
- Poseidon
Winning the Game
Each round ends in one of 4 ways:
- A player plays a card to make Mount Olympus equal 100. That player steals Zeus and wins the round.
- A player plays a matching number card to make Mount Olympus equal or exceed 100. That player steals Zeus and wins the round.
- If a player plays a card that makes Mount Olympus exceed 100, whichever player currently possesses Zeus wins the round.
- If the draw pile runs out, whoever has Zeus wins the round. It doesn’t matter what number Mount Olympus is at.
The winner of each round receives a letter of the word ZEUS. The first player to complete Z-E-U-S first wins the game.