- BGG rank
- BGG #25,848
- BGG rating
- 5.6
Esels-Rennen
- 2–6 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.2/5
- 1989
- BGG rank
- BGG #21,961
- BGG rating
- 6.1
Run, Mule, Run
2023
Rules assistance for Run, Mule, Run
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2–6 players
- 15 min
- 8+
- Complexity 1.0/5
Rules assistant for Run, Mule, Run
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Run, Mule, Run is a board game released in 2023 for 2–6 players, 15 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Frank Nestel and its main mechanics are Hidden Victory Points and Movement Points.
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About the game
In Run, Mule, Run!, four spirited mules—Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green—are racing to win the trophy. However, players do not control a specific mule. Instead, you hold secret goal cards representing bets on which mules will finish in 1st and 2nd place. The race is driven by a unique chain-reaction movement system. On your turn, you move any mule forward one space. The space they land on dictates what happens next: if a mule lands on a space with a colored arrow, the mule of that corresponding color must immediately move in the direction of the arrow. This can trigger a cascade of movements, propelling mules forward or forcing them sideways! Players must cleverly utilize these chain reactions to advance the mules they have bet on while blocking their opponents' favorites. The game ends immediately once the second mule crosses the finish line. Players then reveal their cards, scoring points based on how accurately they predicted the winner and runner-up.
Mechanics
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Questions and answers
Run, Mule, Run supports 2–6 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 Run, Mule, Run is 15 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 Run, Mule, Run for ages 8 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.
Run, Mule, Run has a complexity rating of 1.0 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.
Run, Mule, Run belongs to these categories: Animals and Racing. Its main mechanics are Hidden Victory Points and Movement Points. 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 Run, Mule, Run are: Frank Nestel. 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 Run, Mule, Run 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.