Pretending to Grownup (2017) Board Game

Pretending to Grownup is a card game created by Megan McKay and published in in 2017. The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a playtime of around 30 minutes. It falls under the category of trick-taking games, where players try to win rounds by playing the highest or most strategic cards.

Game Components of Pretending to Grownup

85 Grownup Cards with titles, flavor text, and stats for time, money, and energy

15 Unipegasaurus cards, which are modifiers

32 expansion cards drawn by guest artists

1 Daydream token, a wooden Unipegasaurus figure providing a +1 bonus to all resources

1 short, detailed rulebook

How To Setup Pretending to Grownup

To set up the game, decide whether to include the red-bordered expansion cards. Shuffle all the chosen cards together and deal five cards to each player. Place the remaining cards and the Daydream token in the center of the table. The player who most recently complained about being tired goes first, often leading to a humorous argument among players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bluffing and Trick-Taking: Players engage in Squabbles, declaring they have more of a resource (time, money, or energy) than their competitors.

Counter Squabbles: Players to the right can Counter Squabble by placing a card and declaring they have more of the resource.

Ignoring the Problem: A player can choose to Ignore the Problem, allowing the active player to take their card as a Grownup Point.

Taking on More Responsibilities: Players can take two cards from the draw pile instead of Squabbling.

Daydream Token: The token provides a +1 bonus to all resources but can be stolen by other players.

Game Objective: The first player to accumulate 12 Grownup Points wins.

Player Experience

**Pretending to Grownup** is a game that captures the humorous and relatable aspects of adult life. Players experience deep belly laughs, bemused smirks, and occasional groans as they navigate common adult situations. The game feels like reflecting on personal memories of growing up and is perfect for after-dinner gatherings with friends.

Pros

Relatable Content: The game’s themes and humor resonate well with adults.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting 30 minutes or less.

High-Quality Components: Premium quality cards and a cute Daydream token.

Engaging Mechanics: Bluffing and trick-taking mechanics keep players engaged and entertained.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2 to 4 players, which might be restrictive for larger groups.

Age Appropriateness: While playable by teens, the humor and themes are more suited to adults.

Personal Thoughts on Pretending to Grownup

**Pretending to Grownup** is ideal for adults and teen players who can appreciate the humor and relatability of navigating adulthood. It’s a great addition to any game collection for those who enjoy light-hearted, social games that spark laughter and conversation. The game’s ability to evoke memories of growing up makes it a memorable and enjoyable experience to share with friends and family.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.