Cards Against Humanity: The Unapologetically Dark Houston Board Game
Among Houston board games and Houston tabletop games, few have sparked as much conversation and laughter as Cards Against Humanity. Billed as “a party game for horrible people,” it revels in inappropriate humor, political incorrectness, and outrageous combinations, making it an instant hit at game nights across the city. While some games challenge your strategy or intellect, Cards Against Humanity dares you to embrace the most absurd, offensive, and hilarious parts of your imagination.
Tabletop Game Origins: How Cards Against Houston Humanity Was Born
Cards Against Humanity was born in 2011 out of a Kickstarter project launched by a group of friends from Chicago. The creators, tired of traditional party games, wanted something more spontaneous and outrageous—something that captured their sense of humor. The game's creators, including Max Temkin, Ben Hantoot, and Eliot Weinstein, designed it with the intention of offending and entertaining in equal measure.
It took only a short time for the game to become wildly popular, thanks to its free-to-play online version and an easy-to-print version, appealing to anyone looking for a laugh. Over time, it grew into one of the most infamous and loved party games, becoming a staple in the Houston tabletop games scene for those who enjoy boundary-pushing humor.
How to Play: The Rules of Houston Boardgame Offense and Laughter
Cards Against Humanity is simple to play but has a unique structure that thrives on creativity and outrageousness. Here’s how it works:
Setup
Each player draws ten white cards, which contain various phrases, words, or combinations that are designed to be both funny and inappropriate.
A deck of black cards is placed in the center, which contains questions or fill-in-the-blank prompts.
Gameplay
One player is designated as the "Card Czar" each round. This player picks a black card, reads it aloud, and the other players respond by selecting one of their white cards to create the funniest or most offensive combination.
The Card Czar shuffles the submitted cards and reads them aloud to the group, then selects the one they find funniest, awarding that player the black card as a point.
The role of Card Czar rotates each round, and the game continues until players decide to stop, with the player who has collected the most black cards winning the game.
Objective
The goal of Cards Against Humanity is simple: make the other players laugh (or cringe) with the most outrageous and offensive combinations possible.
Optimal Number of Houston Tabletop Game Players: Bigger is Better
While Cards Against Humanity can technically be played with as few as 3 players, the game truly shines with larger groups. For the best experience, aim for at least 4-6 players, though the game can easily accommodate up to 10 or more.
The more players involved, the wider the variety of responses, and the wilder the game becomes. Bigger groups allow for more creativity, unexpected combinations, and, of course, even more laughter. Houston board game nights, with their lively crowds, are ideal for this kind of social party game.
Houston Strategies for Winning: Tabletop Game that Offends and Amuses
Even though Cards Against Humanity is all about fun and laughter, there are some strategies you can employ to increase your chances of winning:
Know Your Audience
A good strategy is understanding the sense of humor of the current Card Czar. Some players prefer the most offensive card, while others like clever or witty answers. Tailoring your card to the Czar’s taste can give you the edge.
Save Your Best Cards
If you have a particularly strong or outrageous white card, don’t play it too early. Save it for when you really need to win a round, especially if you know the Czar will appreciate it.
Mix Humor and Shock Value
Combining humor with just the right amount of shock value tends to win rounds. A card that pushes boundaries without going too far can often be the funniest.
Use Throwaway Rounds
If you have a hand full of weaker cards, consider using a round as a “throwaway,” giving up the chance to win in order to cycle through cards and draw new ones.
Play to the Group’s Mood:
Some groups enjoy the most outrageous and shocking responses, while others prefer witty, clever combinations. Pay attention to how the group reacts to various cards and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Chaos, Laughter, and Fun in the Houston Tabletop Game Scene
Cards Against Humanity is a standout game in the Houston board game community, providing endless laughter and pushing the limits of party games. With its simple rules, limitless potential for fun, and irreverent style, it has earned its spot as a must-play for game nights throughout the city. Whether you’re offending your friends or laughing at absurd card combinations, it’s a game that guarantees unforgettable moments.
