Cards Against Humanity (2009) Board Game

Cards Against Humanity is a party game that was first released in in 2009. It was created by a group of friends who wanted to create a game that was both entertaining and controversial. The game quickly gained popularity for its dark humor and the ability to bring people together in a fun and irreverent way.

Game Components of Cards Against Humanity

500 white answer cards

100 black question or fill-in-the-blank cards

A booklet of game rules and alternate rules

Blank cards for custom answers

How To Setup Cards Against Humanity

To set up the game, each player is dealt a hand of ten white answer cards. The remaining cards are placed within reach of all players. One player is chosen as the “Card Czar” or judge for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Card Drafting: Players select answer cards from their hand to submit to the Card Czar.

Judging: The Card Czar chooses the funniest or most appropriate answer card.

Scoring: The player whose card is chosen receives the black question card as an “Awesome Point.”

Optional Mechanisms: Some question cards require players to submit two answer cards (“Pick 2” cards), and there is a gambling component where players can wager an Awesome Point to play a second answer.

Game Objective:

The objective is to accumulate the most Awesome Points by having your answer cards chosen by the Card Czar. The game continues until players decide to stop, and the player with the most Awesome Points wins.

Player Experience

Cards Against Humanity is a game that thrives on dark humor and pushing boundaries. Players must be comfortable with joking about sensitive and taboo topics such as race, religion, gender, and more. The game encourages creativity and quick thinking as players try to come up with the most humorous or fitting answers. It is particularly enjoyable with a group of friends who share a similar sense of humor and can appreciate the game’s irreverent style.

Pros

High Replay Value: With 500 answer cards and 100 question cards, the game offers a lot of variety.

Social Interaction: It is an excellent icebreaker and can foster a lot of laughter and discussion among players.

Customizable: Players can use blank cards to add their own answers.

Accessible Design: The game’s color scheme (black and white) is visually accessible for players with color blindness.

Cons

Offensive Content: The game includes cards that can be highly offensive or triggering for some players.

Limited Appeal: The humor is not suitable for all audiences, especially those who are easily offended or sensitive to certain topics.

Burn Rounds: Some players may experience rounds where they have to play less funny cards to get rid of them.

Physical Accessibility Issues: Managing a hand of ten cards can be challenging for players with visual or physical impairments.

Personal Thoughts on Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity is not for everyone, particularly those who are easily offended or prefer more family-friendly games. It is best suited for groups of friends who enjoy dark humor and are comfortable with the game’s edgy content. The game excels as a tool for socializing and breaking the ice, especially in adult gatherings where the participants are aware of and appreciate its irreverent nature. However, it is crucial to ensure that all players are on the same page regarding the game’s content to avoid any discomfort or offense.

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