How to Play Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity is a party game that has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its irreverent humor and ability to spark laughter and awkwardness in equal measure. If you're looking for a game that pushes boundaries and encourages creative thinking (and maybe even a little bit of shock value), then Cards Against Humanity is for you.

What is Cards Against Humanity?

At its core, Cards Against Humanity is a game of fill-in-the-blank prompts. Players are presented with a "black card" containing a humorous or bizarre sentence with one or more blanks. They then compete to submit the most hilarious or outrageous "white card" to complete the sentence.

How to Play Cards Against Humanity

1. Gather Your Players

Cards Against Humanity is best played with a group of 4-10 players, though it can be played with as few as 3. Ideally, players should be comfortable with dark humor and a bit of silliness.

2. Choose a Card Czar

Each round, one player is designated as the "Card Czar." The Card Czar's role is to read the black card aloud and then choose the funniest or most outrageous white card submitted by the other players. The Card Czar can also be a bit of a judge, deciding which card best fits the tone and spirit of the black card.

3. Play a Round

• The Card Czar draws a black card and reads it aloud.
• Each player draws a hand of white cards. The number of cards drawn depends on the number of players.
• Players secretly choose one white card from their hand that they think best completes the black card.
• Players submit their chosen white cards to the Card Czar, either face down or via a method of anonymous submission.
• The Card Czar reads all the submitted cards aloud, one by one.
• The Card Czar chooses the card they find funniest or most outrageous.
• The player who submitted the winning card earns a point.
• The Card Czar role rotates to the next player in the clockwise direction.

4. Keep Playing

Continue playing rounds until one player reaches a predetermined number of points (usually 5-7 points). That player is declared the winner. However, winning isn't the real point of Cards Against Humanity – it's about the laughs, the awkward moments, and the creative responses that emerge from the game's unique format.

Cards Against Humanity Gameplay Tips

1. Embrace the Absurd

The beauty of Cards Against Humanity lies in its absurdity. Don't be afraid to submit cards that are shocking, outrageous, or even just plain weird. The more unexpected the answer, the funnier it can be.

2. Pay Attention to the Black Card

The black card is the key to winning a round. Read it carefully, pay attention to the tone and meaning, and try to anticipate what kind of answer the Card Czar will find most amusing.

3. Think Outside the Box

Cards Against Humanity is a game of creative thinking. Don't be afraid to stretch the limits of the prompt and come up with answers that are unexpected and original. Even if they don't win the round, they're sure to get a chuckle out of the other players.

4. Have Fun

Ultimately, the most important tip for playing Cards Against Humanity is to relax and have fun. Don't take it too seriously, and enjoy the laughs (and the occasional cringe-worthy moment).

What Makes Cards Against Humanity So Popular?

Cards Against Humanity's popularity can be attributed to several factors:

• Dark Humor: The game is known for its edgy, often offensive, humor. This can be polarizing, but it also appeals to a niche audience who appreciates the absurdity and shock value.
• Creative Play: The fill-in-the-blank format encourages players to be creative and come up with unexpected answers. This makes each round unique and unpredictable.
• Social Bonding: Playing Cards Against Humanity can be a great way to bond with friends and break the ice. The shared experience of laughter and awkwardness can create a strong sense of camaraderie.
• Accessibility: The game's simple rules and quick gameplay make it easy to learn and play, even for people who are new to card games.

Cards Against Humanity: Beyond the Basics

While the core gameplay of Cards Against Humanity is straightforward, there are several variations and expansions that can add a new layer of fun to the game. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Expansions

Cards Against Humanity has released numerous expansions over the years, each adding new cards with different themes and styles of humor. Some popular expansions include:

• Cards Against Humanity: The Expansion - This expansion adds 200 new white cards and 25 new black cards, expanding the game's range of humor and providing even more opportunities for outrageous answers.
• Cards Against Humanity: The Third Expansion - This expansion features 100 new white cards and 20 new black cards, focusing on themes like pop culture, current events, and social media.
• Cards Against Humanity: The Sixth Expansion - This expansion includes 150 new white cards and 25 new black cards, with a particular emphasis on wordplay and puns.

2. House Rules

Many players enjoy introducing house rules to Cards Against Humanity to personalize the game and add a new twist. Here are a few popular house rules:

• The "No Repeat" Rule: This rule prevents players from submitting the same white card twice in a row. This encourages players to be more creative and think of new answers.
• The "Must-Use" Rule: This rule requires players to use a specific word or phrase in their answer. This can lead to some hilarious and unexpected responses.
• The "Blind Draw" Rule: This rule requires players to draw a white card at random without looking at it. This adds an element of surprise and can lead to some hilariously inappropriate answers.

3. Online Versions

For those who prefer a digital experience, there are several online versions of Cards Against Humanity available. Some popular options include:

• Cards Against Humanity Online - This official online version of the game allows players to play against friends or random opponents. It features the original game's cards and allows for customization with expansions.
• Pretzel Games - This online platform offers a variety of card games, including a Cards Against Humanity clone called "Cards Against Humanity: Uncensored."

Cards Against Humanity: Controversy and Criticism

While Cards Against Humanity has garnered a large and devoted following, it has also faced criticism for its offensive and sometimes insensitive content. Some critics argue that the game promotes a culture of disrespect and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

The creators of Cards Against Humanity have acknowledged the potential for offense, stating that the game is intended to be a satire of American culture and its often-absurd nature. They argue that the game's humor is meant to be provocative and should not be taken too seriously.

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that Cards Against Humanity has become a cultural phenomenon. The game has sparked countless conversations about humor, satire, and the limits of free speech. And it continues to be a popular choice for parties, gatherings, and even corporate events.

Tips for Playing Cards Against Humanity with Kids

While Cards Against Humanity is generally considered to be an adult game, some parents have found ways to adapt it for a family-friendly audience. Here are a few tips for playing Cards Against Humanity with kids:

• Use a Kid-Friendly Expansion: There are several expansions specifically designed for families and young audiences. These expansions feature cleaner humor and avoid offensive content.
• Pre-Screen Cards: Before playing, take the time to go through the cards and remove any that you deem inappropriate for your children's age group.
• Set Ground Rules: Discuss with your kids what kind of humor is acceptable and what kind of language is off-limits. Encourage them to express their opinions and feelings about the game's content.
• Focus on the Fun: Remind your kids that Cards Against Humanity is a game and that the goal is to have fun. If they're not enjoying the game, don't force them to play.

Conclusion

Cards Against Humanity is a game that can be both hilarious and controversial. Its unique blend of dark humor, creative gameplay, and social interaction has made it a popular choice for parties and gatherings. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that Cards Against Humanity has left its mark on popular culture. So grab a deck of cards, gather your friends, and prepare to laugh (and maybe even cringe) at some of the most outrageous and unexpected answers you've ever seen.