Content Menu
● Origins of the Game
● Gameplay Mechanics
● Game Components
● Cultural Impact
● Criticism and Controversy
● Playing Variations
● Expansions and Themed Editions
● Tips for Playing Cards Against Humanity
● Becoming a Champion Player
● Conclusion
● Related Questions
>> 1. What age group is Cards Against Humanity suitable for?
>> 2. How do you win at Cards Against Humanity?
>> 3. Can you play Cards Against Humanity with fewer than three players?
>> 4. What types of humor does Cards Against Humanity feature?
>> 5. Are there any expansions available for Cards Against Humanity?
● Citations:
Cards Against Humanity is an adult party game that has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2011. The game is designed for players aged 17 and older and is known for its dark humor and politically incorrect content. It involves players completing fill-in-the-blank statements using words or phrases typically deemed offensive, risqué, or politically incorrect, printed on playing cards. The game's tagline, "A party game for horrible people," aptly reflects its irreverent nature and appeal to those looking to push social boundaries in a humorous context.
Origins of the Game
The game was created by a group of eight Highland Park High School alumni, who were inspired by the card game *Apples to Apples*. Initially named *Cardenfreude*, it was later rebranded as *Cards Against Humanity*. The creators launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2010, which exceeded their funding goals significantly, demonstrating a strong market demand for such a game. Since then, it has sold millions of copies worldwide and spawned numerous expansions and themed editions.
Max Tempkin, one of the creators, recounted that the idea emerged from the need for entertaining activities during large gatherings. At a New Year's Eve party with friends, they crafted a simple prototype that quickly became a hit among attendees. This initial success led them to realize they had something special on their hands[1][7].
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay of Cards Against Humanity is straightforward yet engaging. Here's how it works:
1. Setup: Each player draws ten white cards from the deck. One player is designated as the "Card Czar" (or judge) for the round.
2. Playing a Round: The Card Czar draws a black card from the deck, which contains a question or a fill-in-the-blank statement. This card is read aloud to all players.
3. Submitting Answers: The other players choose one or more white cards from their hands that they believe will provide the funniest answer to the black card's prompt. These cards are submitted face down to the Card Czar.
4. Judging: After shuffling the submitted white cards, the Card Czar reads each one aloud alongside the black card prompt. The Card Czar then selects the answer they find funniest, awarding an "Awesome Point" (represented by keeping the black card) to the player who submitted it.
5. Continuing Play: After each round, players draw back up to ten white cards, and the role of Card Czar rotates clockwise. The game continues until players decide to stop or reach a predetermined score limit.
Game Components
Cards Against Humanity consists of:
- Black Cards: These contain questions or prompts that require responses.
- White Cards: These provide answers or phrases that players use to fill in the blanks or respond to black cards.
The base game includes 550 white cards and 100 black cards, but various expansions add hundreds more options, enhancing replayability.
Cultural Impact
Cards Against Humanity has made a significant cultural impact since its release. It has been featured in various media outlets and has sparked discussions about humor's role in addressing sensitive topics such as race, sexuality, and politics. While some praise its ability to provoke laughter through taboo subjects, others criticize it for promoting offensive stereotypes and insensitivity.
The game encourages players to embrace their darker senses of humor while navigating complex social dynamics. It has become a staple at parties and gatherings where participants are comfortable with its edgy content.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite its popularity, Cards Against Humanity has faced criticism for its content. Many argue that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and trivializes serious issues such as racism, sexism, and violence. Some cards have been called out for being particularly offensive or inappropriate.
In response to such criticism, the creators have made efforts to update and revise certain aspects of the game over time. They have removed some problematic cards while introducing new ones that reflect contemporary sensibilities[4][10].
Playing Variations
While the official rules are simple, many players enjoy creating their own house rules to customize gameplay further. Some popular variations include:
- Rando Cardrissian: A random white card from the deck is added during scoring.
- Gambling Points: Players can wager points to submit additional white cards during a round.
- Haiku Ending: Players can end a session by playing a Haiku card, allowing them to discard unwanted white cards.
These variations add layers of strategy and fun, making each game unique.
Expansions and Themed Editions
Since its launch, Cards Against Humanity has released numerous expansions and themed editions that enhance gameplay with new content:
- Expansion Packs: These packs introduce new white and black cards that keep the game fresh.
- Themed Editions: Special editions cater to specific audiences or themes (e.g., holiday-themed packs).
Players can mix these expansions with their base game for even more combinations and laughs[3][9].
Tips for Playing Cards Against Humanity
To maximize enjoyment while playing Cards Against Humanity, consider these tips:
- Know Your Audience: Understanding your friends' humor styles can help you choose winning cards more effectively.
- Set Boundaries: Given its provocative content, it's essential to establish comfort levels among players before starting a game.
- Embrace Creativity: Don't hesitate to mix house rules or create your own variations; this can lead to hilarious outcomes.
- Watch Reactions: Pay attention to which types of jokes resonate most with your group; this knowledge can help you strategize better in future rounds.
Becoming a Champion Player
While Cards Against Humanity is primarily about fun, some players take it seriously enough to develop strategies for winning:
- Timing Matters: Save your strongest cards for when you think they will have maximum impact based on the prompt.
- Card Management: Keep track of which types of cards you have—strong ones should be played wisely while weaker ones can be used when you're less likely to win points.
- Adapt Your Strategy: Each Card Czar may have different preferences; adjust your submissions based on who is judging[5][15].
Conclusion
Cards Against Humanity is more than just a party game; it's a cultural phenomenon that challenges societal norms through humor. While it offers an entertaining experience for many, it also raises important conversations about what constitutes acceptable humor in today's society. Players must navigate their comfort levels with its content while enjoying the laughter it brings.
As with any form of entertainment that touches on sensitive subjects, awareness of its potential impact on others is crucial when playing Cards Against Humanity. Ultimately, it's about having fun while respecting individual boundaries within your group.
Related Questions
1. What age group is Cards Against Humanity suitable for?
Cards Against Humanity is recommended for players aged 17 and older due to its mature content.
2. How do you win at Cards Against Humanity?
Players accumulate "Awesome Points" by having their answers chosen as the funniest by the Card Czar; however, there are no strict rules on how to win—it's primarily about having fun.
3. Can you play Cards Against Humanity with fewer than three players?
While it's designed for three or more players, some house rules allow for two-player games with adjustments.
4. What types of humor does Cards Against Humanity feature?
The game features dark humor that often includes offensive jokes related to race, sex, politics, and various taboo subjects.
5. Are there any expansions available for Cards Against Humanity?
Yes! There are numerous expansions available that add new cards and themes to enhance gameplay variety.
Citations:
[1] https://www.junglescout.com/blog/amazon-success-story/
[2] https://www.draughtslondon.com/guide-to-cards-against-humanity/
[3] https://editioncards.com/cards-against-humanity-expansions-and-packs-list/
[4] https://cjleo.com/blog/the-problem-with-cards-against-humanity/
[5] https://tl.net/blogs/422915-playing-to-win-at-cards-against-humanity
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/cardsagainsthumanity/comments/7sy20y/full_list_of_official_expansions/
[7] https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/about
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liyWMJhkgKs
[9] https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/shop/expansions
[10] https://www.shutupandsitdown.com/review-cards-against-humanity/
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDG4Pr6Zq94
[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/cardsagainsthumanity/comments/xky4g/variations_exercises_to_make_the_game_more/
[13] https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com
[14] https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Cards_Against_Humanity_(15711676205).jpg/220px-Cards_Against_Humanity_(15711676205).jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjm8PmCrfCKAxXkrokEHXdEGJgQ_B16BAgFEAI
[15] https://word-buff.com/cards-against-humanity/
[16] https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/shop/all
[17] https://www.inc.com/christine-lagorio/humans-behind-cards-against-humanity.html
[18] https://www.target.com/s/cards+against+humanity+expansion
[19] https://www.facejewishhate.org/story/it-started-as-a-card-game-but-it-got-antisemitic-really-fast/
[20] https://libguides.rsu.edu/games/cards_against_humanity
[21] https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/shop/themed-packs
