Cards Against Humanity (CAH) is a card game that has taken the party game genre by storm with its unique blend of dark humor, absurdity, and boundary-pushing content. Dubbed “a party game for horrible people,” it challenges players to craft the funniest, most inappropriate, or downright shocking combinations of cards, often leading to uproarious laughter (and sometimes a bit of discomfort).
This article dives deep into the world of Cards Against Humanity, exploring its origins, gameplay, expansion packs, cultural impact, and why it’s become a staple at game nights worldwide.
The Origins of Cards Against Humanity
- Created By: A group of friends led by Max Temkin, Cards Against Humanity started as a Kickstarter project in 2011.
- Kickstarter Success: It quickly became a sensation, raising more than 300% of its initial funding goal.
- Inspiration: The game is loosely based on the classic party game Apples to Apples, but with an edgy twist—humor that is often politically incorrect, offensive, and absurd.
How to Play Cards Against Humanity
Basic Setup
- The game includes two types of cards:
- Black Cards (Prompt Cards): These contain fill-in-the-blank statements or open-ended questions (e.g., “What is Batman’s guilty pleasure?” or “Why can’t I sleep at night?”).
- White Cards (Answer Cards): These are the response cards with often outrageous or inappropriate phrases (e.g., “Explosions,” “A pyramid of severed heads,” or “My sex life”).
- A minimum of 4 players is recommended, though it can accommodate larger groups.
Gameplay Rules
- Choose a Card Czar:
- Each round, one player becomes the Card Czar who reads the black card aloud and judges the responses.
- Submit Answers:
- All other players choose one (or sometimes multiple) white cards from their hand to respond to the prompt on the black card.
- Reveal and Judge:
- The Card Czar shuffles the submitted white cards, reads them aloud, and selects the one they find the funniest, most outrageous, or clever.
- Scoring:
- The player whose card is chosen wins the round and gets a point.
- Rotate Roles:
- The role of Card Czar rotates clockwise, and the game continues until players decide to stop or a predetermined score is reached.
What Makes Cards Against Humanity So Popular?
1. Humor Without Boundaries
- The game thrives on being irreverent and unapologetic, offering players the chance to laugh at taboo topics.
- Its success relies on its players’ creativity and willingness to embrace absurdity.
2. Social Interaction
- CAH is best enjoyed in a group of friends, where inside jokes and shared humor amplify the hilarity.
- The competitive yet lighthearted nature of the game makes it a go-to for game nights, parties, and gatherings.
3. Easy to Learn, Impossible to Predict
- The simple mechanics mean anyone can jump in and play within minutes.
- The unpredictable combinations of black and white cards ensure no two rounds are ever the same.
4. Endless Replayability
- The sheer number of cards in the base game (550 cards) and its many expansions keep the game fresh and exciting, even after multiple playthroughs.
Expansion Packs and Customization
One of the key reasons for Cards Against Humanity’s longevity is its frequent updates and expansions, which add new themes, jokes, and references.
Popular Expansion Packs:
- CAH: Red Box, Blue Box, Green Box:
- Each contains 300 new cards to mix into the base game.
- Nerd Pack:
- Perfect for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and geek culture.
- Holiday Packs:
- Seasonal packs with themes around Christmas, Halloween, and more.
- Absurd Box:
- Contains some of the most bizarre and surreal card combinations.
Custom Cards:
- Blank cards are included in some packs, allowing players to write their own prompts and responses.
- Many players enjoy crafting cards tailored to their group’s humor or inside jokes.
Why It’s Controversial
The game’s appeal lies in its edgy, offensive humor—but that’s also its most controversial aspect.
Criticism:
- Some players and critics feel CAH crosses the line into insensitivity or tastelessness, particularly when it comes to cards about race, gender, or tragedy.
- It has sparked debates about the limits of humor and the ethics of laughing at taboo topics.
Defending the Game:
- The creators have stated that the game is meant to be satire and that the content reflects societal attitudes rather than endorsing them.
- Players are encouraged to tailor their decks, removing cards they find uncomfortable or offensive.
Pro Tips for Playing Cards Against Humanity
- Know Your Group:
- The game works best with people who share a similar sense of humor and won’t take offense at the content.
- Set Boundaries:
- If certain cards or topics make players uncomfortable, remove them from the deck.
- Be Creative:
- The funniest combinations often come from unexpected or ironic pairings rather than simply offensive ones.
- Don’t Take It Too Seriously:
- The goal is laughter and fun, not winning or being the most outrageous.
Cultural Impact
Cards Against Humanity has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring spin-offs, parodies, and adaptations:
- Spin-Offs:
- Themed versions like Cards Against Disney and Cards Against Star Wars have become fan favorites.
- Parodies:
- Similar games, such as What Do You Meme? and Joking Hazard, owe their success to the template CAH popularized.
- Social Activism:
- The creators have used their platform for philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for educational charities and political causes.
Alternatives to Cards Against Humanity
If you enjoy CAH but want a slightly different experience, consider these alternatives:
- What Do You Meme?
- A game where players pair captions with funny or viral images.
- Exploding Kittens:
- A card game combining strategy with absurd humor.
- Joking Hazard:
- A comic-based card game where players create hilarious (and sometimes offensive) comic strips.
Conclusion: A Game for the Bold and Hilarious
Cards Against Humanity is a game that thrives on pushing boundaries and sparking laughter, often at the expense of societal norms. While it’s not for everyone, its simplicity, replayability, and outrageous humor have made it a staple at parties and game nights.
Whether you’re looking to let loose with friends, test your creative wit, or simply have a laugh, Cards Against Humanity offers an unforgettable experience—just be prepared for the unexpected and embrace the chaos of “horrible people” at their funniest.