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Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some of the more frequently asked questions.

Answers

What age level is this for?

Zêtre is truly a game for all ages and any skill level.

The Basic Rules are geared towards adults and children ages 12 and up. However, you can make the game as challenging or as easy as you want by adjusting the rules to suit the age and skill level of the players.

For instance, the game can be scaled down for younger kids by removing the time limit and just using addition and subtraction. For adults, the game can be made more challenging by adding additional elements like exponents or making use of the letter cards.

Please see our variations to learn how the game can be adjusted for your skill and age level.

How do you play?

Put simply, the object of the game is to be the first one to discard all your cards. The way you do that is by making combinations of dice values that equal cards in your hand.

You can add, subtract, multiply, or divide the numbers in any order as long as the result equals a card in your hand.

Please view the Basic Rules for a complete and detailed set of instructions. You can also view an example.

Does everyone play at the same time?

Yes.

Everyone plays at the same time using the dice values rolled. Cards are discarded face down so that opponents can not see them until the round is over. When the round is over, everyone turns over their cards and has to be able to explain their reasonings.

What are the letter cards?

The letter cards are like wild cards. They allow you to expand the game.

For instance, you can assign numeric values to the cards prior to playing a round. Perhaps the "Z" is an 11 and the "E" is a 15 - maybe they are all zeros.

The possibilities are endless.

Take a look at the Basic Rules and variations to see some of the ways the letter cards are used.

How many people can play?

Using the Basic Rules, about 2 to 8 people can play.

Some of the game variations allow for fewer players. In fact, you can even play a solitaire version with yourself.

Where can I buy it?

You can purchase it online on our website or by visiting one of the stores carrying it. Please view our Order page for more information.

What does zêtre mean?

Nothing that we know of, but its a fun sounding name!

The word être in French means "to be". The "z" was just put in front of it, but it wasn't meant to have a meaning. We just liked the sound of the name - pronounced "zet-tra".

Can I get instructions in another language?

Hopefully soon.

There has been interest expressed in having the instructions translated to French and Spanish. If you would like them translated in another language please let us know.

The time limit is too short, can you fix it?

Zêtre is adjustable to any age and skill level.

For those that would like a longer amount of time, you can either flip the sand timer over for additional time, or remove the time element completely. The 30 second rule can be changed to suit the level of the players. Feel free to adjust it to an appropriate time limit.

Did you know?
Zêtre is a brand new game invented by Arte Merritt in September 2000.
zêtre™ © Copyright 2000-2002 3mg Inc.
US Patent 6,341,779