Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

800 Pound Gorilla is a fast-paced party game that combines quick reactions, visual perception, and a little bit of chaos. Players race to identify gorillas of different sizes hidden among optical illusions while also scrambling for bananas and coconuts during special action rounds. It’s easy to learn, plays in about 10–15 minutes, and creates plenty of laughs as everyone reaches for cards at the same time.

The goal is simple: earn the most banana points before the game ends.

Game Information

• Play Time: 10–15 minutes
• Players: 3–6
• Ages: 8+

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How to Play 800 Pound Gorilla

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Components

The game includes:

• 100 Gorilla Cards
• 5 Coconut Tokens
• 2 Banana Tokens
• 60 Banana Point / Action Cards
• 1 Spinner

Object of the Game

Collect more banana points than everyone else by correctly choosing gorillas and winning special banana and coconut challenges.

At the end of the game, the player with the most banana points wins.

Setup

Place the spinner in the center of the playing area where everyone can easily reach and see it.

The game is usually easier if everyone stands around the table rather than sits.

Gorilla Card Setup

Shuffle the Gorilla Cards and place them face down (scale side hidden) in a messy ring around the spinner.

A few important setup notes:

• Cards should overlap each other slightly.
• Some cards should partially cover others.
• Players may not move cards during the game to see hidden gorillas.

Banana Point Card Setup

Shuffle the Banana Point Cards and place them in a face-up stack nearby.

The top card should display the action or phrase side.

Number of Cards Used

Players	Coconuts	Gorilla Cards
3	2	36
4	3	40
5	4	50
6	5	60

Understanding the Gorilla Cards

Every gorilla card shows a different-sized gorilla.

The tricky part is that the card artwork creates an optical illusion, making it difficult to judge which gorillas are actually larger or smaller.

On the back of every card is its true weight.

Weights range from:

• 701 pounds
• Up to 800 pounds

No two gorillas weigh exactly the same amount.

Gameplay

The youngest player spins the spinner to begin.

Each turn falls into one of two categories:

1. Gorilla Rounds
2. Banana & Coconut Rounds

After resolving the round, play moves clockwise to the next player, who spins again.

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Gorilla Rounds

If the spinner lands on a gorilla symbol, players must quickly choose a Gorilla Card.

The type of gorilla shown on the spinner determines what everyone is searching for.

Large Gorilla

Players race to touch the gorilla card they believe is the largest.

Once every player has claimed a card:

1. Flip the chosen cards over.
2. Check the weights.

Scoring:

• Largest gorilla = 2 banana points
• Second-largest gorilla = 1 banana point

After scoring:

• Discard all revealed gorilla cards.
• Reveal a new Banana Point Card for the next round.

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Small Gorilla

When the spinner lands on the small gorilla, players try to claim the lightest gorilla card.

After all players choose:

1. Flip the selected cards over.
2. Compare weights.

Scoring:

• Smallest gorilla = 2 banana points
• Second-smallest gorilla = 1 banana point

Discard the revealed cards afterward.

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Medium Gorilla

This round works differently.

Instead of finding the biggest or smallest gorilla, players try to choose a gorilla that falls in the middle.

After everyone claims a card:

1. Reveal all selected gorillas.
2. Compare the weights.

Scoring:

• The players with the largest and smallest chosen gorillas receive no points.
• Every other player receives 1 banana point.

Important

The “middle” is based only on the gorillas selected by players that round.

For example:

• One player might choose a 750-pound gorilla.
• If that gorilla ends up being the heaviest or lightest among the chosen cards, it scores nothing.

Gorilla Round Rules

Keep these rules in mind:

• You may only claim one gorilla card.
• The first player to touch a card owns it.
• Once you choose a card, you cannot switch.
• Players may not move cards to reveal hidden gorillas.

Banana & Coconut Rounds

If the spinner lands on a banana or coconut, refer to the table below:

The current Banana Point Card will show either:

• An action to perform
• A phrase to shout

Players must complete the challenge before grabbing a banana or coconut token.

Scoring

After successfully completing the challenge:

• Any player who grabs an available banana or coconut receives 1 banana point.

After points are awarded:

1. Return all bananas and coconuts to the center.
2. Reveal the next Banana Point Card.

Important Banana & Coconut Rule

If you grab a banana or coconut before completing the challenge:

• You earn no points that round.

Being fast helps, but following the instructions matters too.

End of the Game

The game ends immediately when either:

• The Gorilla Card supply runs out, or
• The Banana Point deck runs out

Players then count their banana points.

The player with the most points wins.

Tips for Winning 800 Pound Gorilla

Don’t Rush Every Choice

Many players immediately grab the first card that looks right. Taking an extra second to compare shapes can often lead to better results.

Watch the Optical Illusions

The card artwork is designed to trick your eyes. Focus on the gorilla itself rather than the surrounding design.

Stay Ready During Banana Rounds

Banana and coconut rounds can happen unexpectedly. Keep your hands ready and pay close attention to the challenge card.

Learn from Previous Reveals

As gorillas are flipped over, you’ll start developing a better sense of how the artwork relates to actual weight.

Think Differently in Medium Rounds

Choosing the largest or smallest-looking gorilla is usually a bad strategy during medium rounds. Aim for something that appears average.

Video Tutorial

FAQ

Conclusion

800 Pound Gorilla is a quick party game that rewards sharp observation, fast reactions, and a willingness to embrace a little chaos. The mix of visual challenges and frantic grab-and-go rounds makes every game feel different, and the short play time makes it easy to fit in multiple rounds.

If you enjoy games that combine speed and perception, you may also like the card game Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, a fun themed card game focused on quick thinking.