| | | | | |

Cheater (1995) Board Game

ByMichail

Cheater is a card game released in 1995 by Awesome Games and Endless Games. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with the best experience being for 3-4 players. It has a runtime of about 45 minutes and is suitable for players aged 7 and above. The game falls under the category of card games and employs the mechanism of set collection.

Game Components of Cheater

  • Deck of letter cards in different colors
  • Cheater card
  • Action cards (show, take, hide, bust, wild)
  • Dice

    How To Setup Cheater

    To set up Cheater, start by removing the cheater card from the deck and placing it in the middle of the table. Shuffle the remaining deck and deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in a draw pile and turn over the top card to create a discard pile. Players then roll the dice to determine who starts the game, with the player rolling the highest number going first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** The goal is to gather letter cards of the same color to spell out “CHEATER” and win the game.
  • Gameplay:**
    – Players roll dice to determine if they become the cheater. Rolling doubles grants cheater status.
    – As the cheater, a player can draw two cards instead of one, take the top card from the discard pile, or force another player to show their hand and take a card from them.
    – Action cards (show, take, hide, bust, wild) can be played to influence gameplay.
    – Players must discard cards of other colors to focus on their chosen color.
    – The game ends when a player spells out “CHEATER” using all seven cards in their hand.

    Player Experience

    Cheater offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, with an added layer of social interaction through the cheating mechanic. Players must balance their card collection with the risk of being targeted by the cheater or using action cards to protect themselves. This dynamic creates a fun and unpredictable environment that keeps players engaged.

    Pros

  • Interactive Cheating Mechanic:** Allows for strategic cheating, adding a fun and unpredictable element.
  • Simple to Learn:** Basic rules make it accessible to new players.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires players to manage their hand and make tactical decisions.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages player interaction and bluffing.

    Cons

  • Luck-Dependent:** Dice rolls can significantly influence gameplay, leading to some players feeling disadvantaged.
  • Potential for Frustration:** Being targeted by the cheater can be frustrating, especially if it happens repeatedly.

    Personal Thoughts on Cheater

    Cheater is ideal for players who enjoy light-hearted, social games with an element of strategy. It is particularly suited for family game nights or casual gatherings where the focus is on fun and interaction rather than intense competition. However, players who prefer games with less randomness and fewer opportunities for cheating might find it less appealing. Overall, Cheater offers a unique gaming experience that can add a refreshing twist to traditional card games.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *