If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening with friends, learning how to play Cards Against Humanity is an excellent choice.
What is Cards Against Humanity?
Before diving into the mechanics of the game, let’s explore what Cards Against Humanity is.
This party game is designed for adults and centers around filling in the blanks of humorous or outrageous statements.
It is known for its dark humor, political satire, and shock value.
Players take turns as the “Card Czar,” who reads a fill-in-the-blank statement, while other players choose cards from their hands that they believe will add the funniest response.
How Do You Set Up the Game?
Setting up Cards Against Humanity is simple and quick. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather Your Friends: Aim for at least 3 players, but the game is at its best with 5 to 8 players.
- Get the Cards: The game includes black cards (question or fill-in-the-blank) and white cards (answers or responses).
- Shuffle and Distribute: Shuffle the black and white cards separately. Each player draws ten white cards to start.
- Select a Card Czar: Choose someone to be the first Card Czar. This player will read the black card to everyone else in the round.
With the setup complete, you’re ready to learn how to play Cards Against Humanity!
How Are Rounds Played?
The mechanics of playing a round are straightforward:
- Read the Black Card: The Card Czar reads the selected black card aloud to all players.
Example: “I never truly understood _ until I encountered _.”
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Select Responses: Each player selects one (or more, depending on the card) white card from their hand that they believe best fills in the blanks.
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Submit Cards: All players pass their chosen white cards face down to the Card Czar.
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Reveal and Vote: The Card Czar shuffles the submitted responses and reads them aloud.
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Choose the Funniest Card: The Card Czar selects the funniest response, and the player who submitted that card earns a point.
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Rotate the Role: The role of Card Czar rotates clockwise for the next round.
What Are Blank Cards and When Do You Use Them?
In addition to the standard set of cards, Cards Against Humanity includes blank cards.
These cards add an extra layer of fun and creativity:
- Custom Responses: Players can write their own phrases on the blank cards.
- Mixing It Up: Use them sparingly to surprise others with personalized humor!
How to Use Blank Cards:
- When you have a blank card in your hand during a round, write down a clever (or outrageous) response.
- Submit the card like the others.
- Enjoy the laughs when your custom answer is read!
What Should You Know About Scoring?
Understanding the scoring system is crucial for competitive play.
Here’s how scoring works in Cards Against Humanity:
- A player earns one point for each round they win by having their card chosen by the Card Czar.
- The game continues until a player reaches a predetermined number of points or until everyone decides to stop.
- For added fun, consider keeping tally on a notepad, which also allows for playful trash talk between rounds!
What Are Some House Rules?
While the official rules are simple, many players like to introduce house rules to keep the game fresh.
Here are some popular house rules to consider implementing:
- The 7-Card Draw: Each player draws 7 white cards instead of the standard 10 to make rounds go faster.
- Double and Triple Points: Award double or triple points for particularly funny responses, as chosen by the Card Czar.
- Silent Round: Players cannot laugh when their card is read; if they do, they lose a point!
These variations can greatly alter the dynamics of the game, making it even more entertaining.
How to Ensure Everyone Has Fun?
Humor is subjective, so it’s essential to create an inclusive atmosphere, especially since some content can be edgy. Here are steps to ensure everyone enjoys themselves when learning how to play Cards Against Humanity:
- Know Your Audience: Before starting, gauge your friends’ comfort levels with the game’s humor.
- Set Boundaries: Discuss any topics that might be off-limits for your group.
- Encourage Creativity: Remind players that unconventional answers often yield the biggest laughs.
What are Alternatives to Cards Against Humanity?
If you find yourself wanting more games similar to Cards Against Humanity, there are several alternatives worth considering:
- What Do You Meme?: A card game where players match image cards with caption cards to create hilarious memes.
- Exploding Kittens: A card game centered on luck and strategy with a quirky sense of humor.
- Telestrations After Dark: A twist on the classic telephone game, combining drawing and guessing with the humor of adult content.
Conclusion: Why Play Cards Against Humanity?
Learning how to play Cards Against Humanity offers not only a fun night with friends but also the opportunity to break down social barriers with laughter.
This game encourages creativity, wit, and spontaneity.
It’s a chance to explore the absurdities of humor and embrace the unexpected.
So gather your friends, follow these tips, and enjoy your evening filled with laughter and memorable moments!
By understanding the core mechanics, jumping into the unique nature of card creation, and being mindful of everyone’s sense of humor, you can make your game night a resounding success.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know, go forth and play!
