FORK: Pocket Edition

F.O.R.K. (Fox, Owl, Rabbit, Kale) is a food chain trick-taking game designed for 2 to 6 players. The rules are easy to learn, making it an enjoyable experience even for children or those new to trick-taking games. The objective is to capture animals or kale in the food chain. Players take turns leading the trick, choosing the suit (terrain), and others must follow if they have the matching cards or play a wild fox. Kale must be played face up, while other cards are placed face down. After all cards are played, they are revealed and resolved from highest to lowest. A player who plays the fox can capture an owl or rabbit, and if the owl survives, it can capture a rabbit, and so on. If your kale survives, you score it as well. More than one player can score a card in a single trick. The game ends when a player has five scorecards, and the one with the highest score wins.

The game's core mechanic revolves around the food chain, where each animal card can capture another. After the cards are revealed, the fox may capture an owl or rabbit, the owl preys on the rabbit, and so forth. This dynamic forces players to think strategically, not only about their own cards but also about how to predict and counter their opponents’ moves.

Strategic depth comes into play as players decide the best time to use their cards for capturing animals or protecting their kale. The need to plan several steps ahead and anticipate moves adds complexity, keeping the game engaging even for more experienced players. The food chain system creates tension and excitement, as every card played could change the outcome of the trick. With multiple players possibly scoring in a single trick, players must balance offense and defense—earning their own points while preventing others from scoring. This keeps the game competitive, ensuring that no player is ever completely out of the game, as a well-timed move can significantly alter the score.