Animouv is a tactical movement and strategy game published by Djeco for 2-4 players aged 7 and up. Players move animal counters across a grid board to line up specific animals shown on their objective cards. The game uses checkers-style movement — pieces can slide to adjacent squares or jump over other pieces. The challenge lies in arranging your target animals in a row while opponents are trying to do the same, constantly disrupting your plans.
Components
Game board with grid of squares
Animal counters (various animal types)
Objective cards (each showing 3 animals to align)
Rules sheet
Setup
Place the game board in the center of the table.
Place animal counters at random on the squares indicated on the board.
Shuffle the objective cards and place them face-down as a draw pile.
Each player draws one objective card showing 3 animals they must align.
Determine the first player.
Turn Structure
On each turn, a player must:
Move one animal counter on the board (any animal, not just those on your card).
Check for completed objectives: If your 3 target animals are now in a line, claim the card.
Draw a new card if you completed your objective.
Actions
Movement
On your turn, move any one animal counter on the board (not restricted to your target animals).
Pieces move the same way as in checkers/draughts:
Slide: Move to any free adjacent square (orthogonal or diagonal).
Jump: Jump over one or more adjacent pieces (friendly or otherwise) to land on the free square beyond, in a straight line. Multiple jumps are possible.
Jumped pieces are NOT removed from the board — they remain in place.
Completing Objectives
If, after your move, the 3 animals shown on your objective card are aligned in a row (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), you win that card.
Draw a new objective card from the pile and continue play with the next player.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
Each completed objective card counts as one point.
The game ends when there are no more objective cards left in the draw pile.
The player who has collected the most objective cards wins the game.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
Any animal can be moved: You are not limited to moving only the animals on your card. Moving an opponent’s target animal is a valid defensive strategy.
No captures: Unlike checkers, jumping does not remove the jumped piece. All animals remain on the board throughout the game.
Shared pieces: Multiple players may need the same animal for their objectives, creating competition over piece positioning.
Interference: Other players will move pieces that disrupt your planned alignments — adaptability is key.
Children’s game: Designed for ages 7+, the rules are simple but the tactical depth is significant.