What the Cup!? (2023) Board Game

What the Cup!? is a party game released in 2023 that combines elements of bluffing, deduction, dice, and take that mechanics. It is designed for 3-6 players, with an optimal player count of

The game has a quick runtime of 10-20 minutes, making it ideal for a fun and fast-paced gaming experience.

Game Components of What the Cup?

6 Cup Bases

6 Cup Lids

6 Twelve-Sided Dice

16 What the Cup!? Cards

1 HIGH/LOW Token

60 Chips

Rules

How To Setup What the Cup?

To set up What the Cup!, each player starts with a cup base, a cup lid, a 12-sided die, and a set of chips. The number of chips each player receives depends on the number of players: 20 chips for 3 players, and 10 chips for 4-6 players. The HIGH/LOW token is placed within reach of all players, and the What the Cup!? cards are shuffled and placed face down in a draw pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to end the round with either the highest or lowest valued die, depending on the side of the HIGH/LOW token.

Mechanics:

Deduction: Players must deduce the values of other players’ dice through action cards.

Take That: Action cards allow players to spy, swap, re-roll, or reveal other players’ dice.

Bluffing: Players can bluff about their die values to mislead opponents.

Gameplay: Players shake their cups, peek at their die values, and then draw an action card. They can follow the action on the card or flip the HIGH/LOW token. The game continues until the Game Over card is drawn, at which point players reveal their dice and the player with the highest or lowest value, based on the token, wins the round.

Player Experience

What the Cup!? is a chaotically fun party game that thrives on bluffing, misdirection, and ‘take that’ actions. The game is highly dynamic, with objectives changing frequently between aiming for the highest or lowest die value. Players enjoy the constant flux and the opportunity to sabotage their opponents using action cards. The game is best with higher player counts, such as 5 or 6 players, where the interactions and bluffing become more intense.

Pros

Engaging and Chaotic Gameplay: The game offers a fun and unpredictable experience.

Easy to Learn: The rules are simple, and the game can be learned quickly.

Portable: The game is compact and easy to take anywhere.

High Replayability: The random nature of the dice and action cards ensures different outcomes each time.

Cons

Cheap Game Pieces: The chips are made of cardboard, and the plastic cups are of thin quality.

Potential for Long Games: The game can take longer than the estimated 10-20 minutes, especially with more players.

Personal Thoughts on What the Cup?

What the Cup!? is perfect for teens and adults looking for a fun, light-hearted party game. It’s great for game nights or casual gatherings, offering a mix of luck, strategy, and social interaction. While the game pieces could be of better quality, the overall experience is highly enjoyable and recommendable for those who love bluffing and deduction games.

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