
- BGG rank
- BGG #7,716
- BGG rating
- 6.1
Who's the Ass?
- 3–12 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.3/5
- 2004

1996
Rules assistance for Das GROSSE und das kleine A
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
For 3 players

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Das GROSSE und das kleine A is a board game released in 1996 for 3–9 players, 45 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up. It was designed by Wolfgang Kramer and its main mechanics are Ladder Climbing.
This is another Karriere Poker/Great Dalmuti-like game with the requisite minor twists and tweaks. The deck is formed by combining two traditional card decks including jokers. Added are two special cards, one showing a large "A" the other a small "a". Players attempt to go out first or if not, to avoid being stuck with too many high point parts, especially not the "A" which ends up being passed from hand to hand. Re-implemented by: Ochs & Esel (2008) Who's the Ass? (2004)
Das GROSSE und das kleine A supports 3–9 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Das GROSSE und das kleine A is 45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Das GROSSE und das kleine A for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Das GROSSE und das kleine A has a complexity rating of 1.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Das GROSSE und das kleine A belongs to these categories: Card Game. Its main mechanics are Ladder Climbing. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Das GROSSE und das kleine A are: Wolfgang Kramer. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Das GROSSE und das kleine A as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.