Welcome to the world of Cards Against Humanity, a hilarious and often outrageous party game that will have you and your friends laughing until the wee hours of the morning. In this comprehensive guide, you will be introduced to the essential components of the game, learn how to set up and play, discover winning strategies, and explore the expansion packs that will keep the fun going for years to come. We will also cover house rules and modifications, organizing game nights, creating your own cards, FAQ, and proper game etiquette.
This article contains Amazon affiliate links. I will earn a small fee if you use one of these links to make a purchase. It will not increase the price you have to pay!
Understanding the Game Basics
Cards Against Humanity is an adult party game where players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using risqué or politically incorrect words/phrases provided on cards. The game’s objective is to create the funniest, most outrageous, or most inappropriate response to a prompt, as chosen by the current round’s judge (referred to as the “Card Czar”). Here is a guide to understanding the essential components and gameplay of Cards Against Humanity.Materials:
1. Cards Against Humanity game box (which includes a set of black cards and white cards)
2. A group of enthusiastic players (ideally 4-8 people, but the game can be played with 3 or more)
Step 1: Setting up the game
1.1 Shuffle the black cards and white cards separately and place them face-down in two stacks in the center of the table.
1.2 Each player draws 10 white cards from the white card stack to create their hand.
Step 2: Understanding the cards
2.1 Black cards – These cards serve as prompts that contain a fill-in-the-blank statement or question. For example, “What’s the new fad diet?”
2.2 White cards – These cards contain potential answers that players use to complete the statement or question on the black card. For example, “Eating an entire pizza as a midnight snack.”
Step 3: Starting the game
3.1 Choose a player to be the first Card Czar. This can be done by picking the player who most recently celebrated their birthday, by drawing cards, or by using any other arbitrary method.
3.2 The Card Czar begins the game by drawing the top black card from the black card stack and reading its contents aloud to the other players.
Step 4: Playing the game
4.1 Each player (except the Card Czar) selects one white card from their hand that they believe best completes the statement or question on the black card. They submit this card face-down to the Card Czar.
4.2 Once all players have submitted their white cards, the Card Czar shuffles the submitted cards and reads them aloud, one by one, to the group.
4.3 The Card Czar selects the white card they find the funniest, most outrageous, or most inappropriate and awards the black card to the player who submitted the chosen white card.
4.4 The player who submitted the winning white card keeps the black card as a point.
Step 5: Rotating the Card Czar and Continuing Gameplay
5.1 The role of Card Czar moves clockwise to the next player, who then follows Steps 3 and 4.
5.2 All players (except the new Card Czar) draw one white card to replenish their hand, maintaining a total of 10 white cards.5.3 The game continues in this manner until a predetermined point goal is reached, or the players decide to stop playing.Cards Against Humanity allows players to embrace their creativity and share inappropriate humor among friends. By understanding the game’s basics – the cards, players, and game flow – you can provide endless entertainment and laughter at your next gathering. Remember to approach the game with a light-hearted attitude and enjoy the hilarity that ensues!
Setting Up the Game
Gather your players:
Cards Against Humanity is best played with a group of 4-20 people. Invite players who are comfortable with adult humor and open to some offensive and politically incorrect content.Unpack the game: Open up the Cards Against Humanity box and remove the black and white cards. The black cards are the question cards or prompts, while the white cards are the answer cards. You’ll notice that the cards are divided into sections. This is because the game includes expansion packs within the box. You can choose to integrate these cards into your game or keep them separate.Shuffle the cards: Give the black and white cards a thorough shuffle to ensure a random mix for the gameplay. It’s a good idea to have some players help shuffle, especially if you’re using all the expansion packs.
Deal the white cards:
Each player should be dealt ten white answer cards. Players can look at their cards but should not show them to others. Make sure you have a large playing area, such as a table or a floor space, so that everyone has room to place and pick up their cards.
Choose the first Card Czar: The Card Czar is responsible for picking a black question card, reading it aloud, and choosing the winner for each round. To determine the first Card Czar, select a random player or follow the game’s suggestion that whoever pooped most recently should assume the role.
Begin the game:
The Card Czar now picks a black question card from the top of the pile and reads it aloud to the group. Each player (excluding the Card Czar) selects a white answer card from their hand that they think best fits the black card prompt or is the funniest. The chosen white cards are then placed facedown in a neat pile near the Czar.
The Card Czar selects a favorite:
After all players have submitted their answers, the Card Czar shuffles the white cards to ensure anonymity and then reads them aloud one by one. The Card Czar then selects their favorite answer and awards the black question card to the player who submitted the winning white card. That player reveals themselves as the winner of the round and keeps the black card as a point.
Rotate Card Czar responsibilities:
Once the first round is completed, the role of the Card Czar rotates to the next player, moving clockwise. Each player takes turns being the Card Czar and playing black cards until the game has reached a predetermined end, such as a certain number of points or when all cards have been used.
Playing Cards Against Humanity: A Step-by-Step Guide
Objective of Cards Against humanity:
Understand the steps to play a round of Cards Against Humanity, including drawing cards, submitting answers, judging responses, and scoring points.
Materials Needed:
Cards Against Humanity game set, a group of friends (recommended 4-20 players), a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, and a good sense of humor.
- 1. Set Up the Game:
- a. Separate the black and white cards from the game set.
- b. Shuffle both decks of cards separately.
- c. Deal 10 white cards to each player. These cards are the players’ hands and should be kept a secret from others.
- d. Keep both the black and white decks in the center of the playing area within everyone’s reach.
- 2. Choose the Card Czar:
- a. To start the game, choose the first Card Czar. This person can be selected randomly or by deciding upon a criteria (such as the last person to use the bathroom or the oldest person in the group).
- b. The Card Czar’s role is to be the judge for the current round.
- 3. Start a Round:
- a. The Card Czar draws a black card from the deck and reads it aloud to the group. This card features a question or a phrase with one or more blanks.
- b. Each player, except the Card Czar, searches their hand for white cards that they think will create the funniest or most outrageous response to the black card.
- c. Once the players have chosen their white cards, they submit them facedown to the Card Czar, who shuffles the response cards to ensure anonymity.
- 4. Judging Responses:
- a. The Card Czar reads the submitted white cards aloud one by one, pairing them with the black card to form a complete statement. They should do so with enthusiasm and humor to maximize entertainment.
- b. After reading all the responses, the Card Czar selects their favorite combination based on personal preference, humor, or shock value. This step is subjective, and the decision ultimately lies with the Card Czar.
- c. The winning player reveals themselves and claims the black card as a point.
- 5. Continue the Game:
- a. After a round is complete, the role of the Card Czar rotates clockwise to the next player, and a new round begins.
- b. Players draw another white card from the deck to maintain a hand of 10 cards at the beginning of each round.
- 6. Scoring Points:
- a. The goal is to collect as many black cards (points) as possible by having the Card Czars choose your submitted white cards as the best responses.
- b. The game continues until a predetermined score is reached or for a preferred number of rounds, at the end of which the player with the most black cards wins.
- 7. Optional House Rules:
- a. You can incorporate additional house rules to personalize your game or to add some extra excitement to your experience. Examples include ‘Rando Cardrissian,’ where an additional response from the top of the white card deck is added in each round, or ‘God Is Dead,’ where all players choose the winner for each round instead of the Card Czar.
Remember that the primary objective of Cards Against Humanity is to have fun and revel in the shared humor and entertainment the game provides. Enjoy making unforgettable memories with your friends!
Winning Strategies
Cards Against Humanity is a hilarious and often raunchy party game that involves matching question cards (black cards) with answer cards (white cards) to create entertaining and sometimes shocking combinations. The game’s objective is to be the best at creating the funniest and most outrageous card combinations.
1. Know your opponents Understanding the preferences and senses of humor of the other players will help you tailor your card combinations to their liking. This helps make your card choices more effective at garnering laughs and winning rounds. Pay attention to the reactions of the other players to previous rounds, and adjust your card choices accordingly.
2. Play to the Card Czar’s humor Each round, a different player takes on the role of the Card Czar, who chooses their favorite card combination. Knowing the Card Czar’s sense of humor is essential to winning, as their preferences will ultimately determine the winner of each round. Try to select card combinations you think will specifically appeal to the Card Czar. Keep in mind whether they tend to prefer dark humor, puns, innuendo, or other comedic styles.
3. Utilize strong card combinations There are numerous potential card combinations, but some pairings tend to be especially popular and successful. Look for cards that create absurd, potentially offensive, or ironic combinations. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of taste, as the outrageous nature of the game often rewards shocking choices.
4. Save your best cards Players with experience in Cards Against Humanity come to learn which cards are generally winners (for example, ‘A big black dick’ or ‘The Holocaust’). If you receive a rare or powerful card, save it for later use when you think it’s most likely to win, preferably when the Card Czar is someone you know well and whose sense of humor you already understand.
5. Employ bait-and-switch tactics One effective tactic used by experienced players is to pair an innocent or seemingly mundane card with a more outrageous one to create a surprising juxtaposition. By doing a bait-and-switch, you can heighten the comedic impact of your card combination.
6. Don’t be afraid to throw away cards If you find it impossible to create a winning combination with your current hand, strategically throw away less-desirable cards by using them in a round you know you won’t win. This makes room for new cards, and you may receive a better combination of cards in later rounds.
7. Adapt to the game’s progression As the game evolves, the humor and preferences of the group may shift. Keep an ear out for how the group reacts to certain cards or combinations and adjust your play style accordingly. Additionally, as the game goes on, players may become more desensitized to dark humor, which might impact their preferences for winning card pairings.Remember, Cards Against Humanity is a game that rewards creativity, wit, and a strong understanding of your fellow players’ senses of humor. By employing these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to win rounds and be the most outrageous player at the table.
Expansion Packs
Cards Against Humanity is an immensely popular party game known for its hilarious and often provocative combinations of cards. To keep the gameplay fresh, the creators of the game have released numerous expansion packs, each introducing new themes and features. In this guide, we will delve into the variety of expansion packs available, and see how they can enhance the Cards Against Humanity experience.
Before we get into the specifics of expansion packs, make sure you’re already familiar with the basic rules of Cards Against Humanity. The game is played by taking turns, with one player drawing and presenting a black card with a question or a fill-in-the-blank statement. Then, the rest of the players choose from their hand of white cards the funniest, most inappropriate, or downright absurd answer to the question or statement.
The player who selected the black card decides which white card wins the round, and the player who submitted the winning white card earns a point.An expansion pack is essentially a set of additional cards – black and white – that players can shuffle into their existing decks to bring new content to the game. These are usually sold separately from the main game and can have a specific theme, helping players tailor their experience to their interests or preferences. Some expansion packs are standalone and can be played on their own, while others require the base game to play.
Popular Cards against Humanity expansion packs
With numerous expansion packs out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Here are a few popular options to consider:
Themed Cards Against Humanity Packs:
These packs often have a specific theme which can cater to specific interests, like the “Nerd Bundle” which includes cards related to science fiction, video games, and other geeky subjects, or the “Period Pack,” which has cards related to menstruation.
2. Special Editions: Some expansion packs have been released as special editions, often as a charity campaign, such as “Cards Against Humanity Saves America,” which aims at supporting various organizations fighting for social justice, environment protection, and more.
3. Pop Culture Packs: Many expansions are dedicated specifically to draw from pop culture, like the “Sci-Fi Pack” or the “Disney Pack,” bringing in references and humor from your favorite movies, shows, and books.
4. Community Curated Packs: Some packs have been co-created with the game’s fans, like the “Ass Pack,” which includes cards suggested by players as well as the “World Wide Web Pack,” which was written in collaboration with popular satire website ClickHole.
5. Pack Bundles: If you don’t know where to start or want a cost-effective way to accumulate new cards, consider getting a pack bundle, like the “Absurd Box,” which includes 300 brand new cards, or look for bundle offers that combine multiple themed packs together.
What to do once you have chose your pack?
Once you’ve chosen your desired expansion pack, shuffle the new cards into your existing deck, and enjoy the new combinations and exciting themes they add to the game. Expansion packs not only bring new life to the game but also offer a way to further customize the experience to suit the preferences of the players.
Cards Against Humanity expansion packs are a fantastic way to keep the good times rolling and get even more mileage out of your favorite party game. Remember to choose an expansion pack that aligns with your interests, mix it into your existing deck, and let the laughter begin. Enjoy!
House Rules and Modifications
Cards Against Humanity is a party game where you match cards with phrases to create hilarious combinations. Here are some popular house rules to make the game even more fun:
1. God is Watching: After all white cards have been played, and before the Card Czar reveals the winner, players can decide to add one random white card from the deck. If ‘God’ ends up winning the round, everyone must take a drink or do a dare.
2. Rando Cardrissian: Similar to ‘God is Watching,’ but the additional white card comes from a separate deck dedicated to Rando Cardrissian, an imaginary player. If Rando has the most points at the end of the game, all players must collectively plot their revenge.
3. Regifting: At the beginning of each round, players can discard up to three unwanted white cards and draw new ones from the deck.
4. Bring Your Own Cards: Each player can create their own custom white and black cards before the game. Shuffle them in with the original decks and play as usual.
5. Musical Chairs: Rotate seats clockwise after every round to randomize the order of play.
There are also customizations and modifications you can make to the game itself:
1. Choose Your Theme: Separate the black and white cards into themes or categories based on their content and hold themed rounds.
2. Combo Czar: Have two or more people act as the Card Czar for more collaborative rounds.
3. Points for Twisted Minds: Award bonus points for players whose card choices are overly dark or disturbing.
4. Multi-Award Winner: In the event of a tie, have players present their case for why their card is the funniest.
25. Drinking Game: Add various drinking rules to the game.House rules and customizations can tailor your Cards Against Humanity experience to your group’s preferences and create unforgettable game nights.
Creating Your Own Cards
Understand the Card Types and Basic Design
Before you start creating your cards, it’s crucial to understand the card types and basic design of Cards Against Humanity. There are two types of cards in the game:
- Black Cards: These cards contain a question or a fill-in-the-blank statement. Players will attempt to use their white cards to fill in the blanks or answer the question in the most humorous, inappropriate or shocking way possible.
- White Cards: These cards contain phrases, words, or sentences that are used to complete black cards’ prompts. The goal is to create a hilarious or outrageous combo that pleases the Card Czar or the group.
Ensure your custom deck includes both black and white cards to maintain the core Cards Against Humanity game mechanics.
Come up with Creative and Unique Card Ideas
To craft compelling custom card prompts, you’ll need to tap into your own sense of humor and creativity. Consider the following when brainstorming for your card ideas:
- Pop Culture References: Incorporate popular movies, TV shows, celebrities, memes, and current events into your card prompts. The more familiar and relevant the reference, the more entertaining the card can be.
- Inside Jokes: If you’re creating cards for a specific group of friends or family, consider using inside jokes or unique experiences that are known only to those within the group. This adds a personal touch to your custom deck and can lead to even more hilarious and enjoyable game nights.
- Risqué and Provocative Topics: Cards Against Humanity’s appeal often comes from its willingness to tackle taboo or inappropriate subjects. With that being said, it’s important to consider your audience’s boundaries and preferences when coming up with provocative card ideas.
Maintain a Balanced Deck
To create a balanced deck that offers a variety of gameplay possibilities, consider a mix of specific and open-ended prompts for your black cards, and a wide range of responses for your white cards:
- Black Cards: Aim to include a balance of questions and fill-in-the-blank statements, as well as prompts that require one-, two-, or even three-card answers. This ensures gameplay doesn’t become too repetitive or predictable.
- White Cards: Create a diverse set of responses, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and phrases. This way, players can develop a multitude of unique and hilarious combinations.
Design and Print Your Cards
Once you’ve come up with your card ideas, it’s time to bring them to life by designing and printing your custom cards. Consider using a card design template or designing your cards using graphic design software. Ensure your design has a clear layout, with easy-to-read fonts, and is consistent with the original Cards Against Humanity aesthetic.
When it comes to printing, use high-quality, heavyweight cardstock for a professional feel and increased durability. Alternatively, you may want to explore printing options through local print shops or online print-on-demand services that can print and cut your cards for you.
Playtest and Revise Your Cards
Put your custom card deck to the test by playing a game with friends or family. Pay attention to which cards evoke the strongest reactions, as well as any issues with balance or comprehensibility. Use this feedback to revise and improve your card ideas, and continue playtesting until you’re satisfied with the quality and entertainment value of your custom deck.
In conclusion
Creating your own Cards Against Humanity deck can be an engaging and entertaining project that allows for endless creativity, humor, and personalization. By following the instructions above, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a one-of-a-kind custom card deck that will delight and amuse all who play. Happy card-making!
Now equipped with the knowledge and skills to master Cards Against Humanity, you are ready to embark on a journey of raucous laughter, witty banter, and unforgettable memories. By embracing the unique gameplay, utilizing winning strategies, and customizing the experience to fit your group’s preferences, you will ensure a fantastic time for all participants. So gather your friends, prepare for a night filled with laughter, and most importantly, have fun!
FAQ – Mastering Cards Against Humanity Rules
Q: What is Cards Against Humanity?
A: Cards Against Humanity is a popular party card game known for its dark humor and outrageous content. Players compete to create the funniest and most shocking combinations of cards.
Q: What does “mastering” the rules mean?
A: Mastering the rules of Cards Against Humanity means understanding the gameplay mechanics, scoring, card interactions, and strategies to enhance your gameplay experience.
Q: How can I learn to master the rules of Cards Against Humanity?
A: You can learn to master the rules of Cards Against Humanity by visiting our website at CardsAndBoards.net and accessing our comprehensive guide on mastering the game’s rules.
Q: Are there any specific strategies to excel at Cards Against Humanity?
A: While Cards Against Humanity relies heavily on humor and creativity, developing a good understanding of card combinations, timing, and audience preferences can improve your chances of success.
Q: Is Cards Against Humanity suitable for all ages?
A: No, Cards Against Humanity is intended for adult players due to its explicit and mature content. It is important to consider the age appropriateness and the comfort level of your group before playing.
Q: Can I modify the rules of Cards Against Humanity?
A: Yes, Cards Against Humanity encourages customization and rule modifications to suit the preferences and comfort levels of your group. Feel free to experiment and have fun with the game.
Q: Are there any expansions or additional card packs available?
A: Yes, Cards Against Humanity offers various expansions and additional card packs that can be purchased separately. These expansions add new cards and themes to enhance gameplay variety.
Q: Can I play Cards Against Humanity online?
A: Yes, there are online platforms and websites that allow you to play Cards Against Humanity virtually with friends or other players. Check our website for recommendations and resources.
Q: Are there any alternative games similar to Cards Against Humanity?
A: Yes, there are several alternative party card games with similar gameplay styles and humor. Our website provides suggestions and reviews for other games you might enjoy.
