text: The geometry and bonding of a Zintl ion cannot be easily described by classical two electron two center bonding theories; however the geometries Zintl ions can be well described by Wade’s rules of boranes. Wade’s rules offer an alternative model for the relationship between geometry and electron count in delocalized electron deficient systems. The rules were developed to predict the geometries of boranes from the number of electrons and can be applied to these polyanions by replacing the BH unit with a lone pair. Some unique clusters of Ge occur in non-deltahedral shapes that cannot be described by Wade’s rules. The rules also become more convoluted in intermetallic clusters with transition metals and consideration needs to be taken for the location of the additional electrons.