Overview

Devil Bunny Hates the Earth is a mancala-variant abstract strategy game for 2-5 players, published by Cheapass Games. Each player is a Taffy Machine positioned on a platform in a factory connected by pipes. Players move squirrels through the pipe network, trying to deliver squirrels to their own machine to gum up the works and win. Despite its simple mancala-like core, the game was nominated for an Origins Award for Best Abstract Board Game of 2001.

Components

• 1 game board depicting the Taffy Factory (platforms connected by pipes)
• Player pawns (Taffy Machines, one per player)
• Squirrel tokens
• 1 die or randomizer for platform selection

Setup

1. Place the Taffy Factory board in the center of the table.
2. Each player places their Taffy Machine pawn on one of the designated platforms – the pawn never moves during the game.
3. Distribute squirrel tokens across the platforms as indicated by the rules.

Turn Structure

On your turn:

1. Determine which platform’s squirrels you control (randomly selected).
2. Move those squirrels en masse along any connected pipe.
3. Drop one squirrel on each platform you pass through.
4. If a squirrel reaches your Taffy Machine, you score it.

Actions

Moving Squirrels

• Gain control of all squirrels on the randomly selected platform.
• Move them along any single pipe path connected to that platform.
• Drop one squirrel on each intermediate platform as you pass through (mancala-style sowing).

Scoring Squirrels

• If you can route squirrels so that one reaches your Taffy Machine’s platform, you collect that squirrel as a point.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The first player to collect 6 squirrels at their Taffy Machine wins the game. Collecting 6 squirrels is enough to “gum up your works” and end the game in your favor.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Your Taffy Machine never moves from its starting platform.
• The random platform selection each turn means you cannot always choose the optimal group of squirrels – adaptability is key.
• The pipe network creates different strategic paths; some routes are more efficient than others depending on squirrel distribution.
• The mancala-style sowing means that moving a large group of squirrels distributes them widely across the factory.

Player Reference

Turn: Random platform selected → Move squirrels along a pipe → Drop one per platform passed → Score any that reach your machine

Win: First to collect 6 squirrels

Key Rule: Your Taffy Machine never moves; squirrels must come to you