If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced card game that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat, Exploding Kittens might just be what you need. This game has become a household favorite for many, with its simple rules, strategic gameplay, and quirky sense of humor. In this article, we will dive deep into what makes Exploding Kittens such an exciting and hilarious game, how to play it, and why it’s worth adding to your collection.
What is Exploding Kittens?
Exploding Kittens is a card game that combines luck, strategy, and a bit of deception. The objective of the game is simple: avoid drawing the dreaded Exploding Kitten card. Players take turns drawing cards from the deck, and the game continues until only one player remains who hasn’t exploded.
Created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman (the creator of the popular webcomic The Oatmeal), and Shane Small, Exploding Kittens first launched in 2015 through a successful Kickstarter campaign. It became an instant hit, with its whimsical illustrations, catchy name, and easy-to-learn rules.
The Game Components
Exploding Kittens is a compact card game that can be played by 2 to 5 players. Here’s a breakdown of the game’s components:
- Cards: The deck contains a variety of cards, each with its own function and purpose. The most important cards are the Exploding Kittens, which are scattered throughout the deck.
- Exploding Kitten Cards: The game’s central mechanic revolves around the Exploding Kitten cards. These cards eliminate players from the game if they draw them.
- Action Cards: These cards allow players to perform special actions, such as skipping their turn, forcing others to take multiple turns, or even shuffling the deck.
- Defuse Cards: These cards are your lifeline in the game. If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you can use a Defuse card to avoid being eliminated. However, once you run out of Defuse cards, you’re at the mercy of the deck.
How to Play Exploding Kittens
The beauty of Exploding Kittens lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player, you can jump right into the action. Here’s how to play:
Setting Up the Game
- Shuffle the Cards: To start, shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly. Make sure to add a number of Exploding Kitten cards equal to the number of players minus one. This ensures that there will be one player left standing at the end of the game.
- Deal the Cards: Deal 7 cards to each player. Each player also receives 1 Defuse card. Place the remaining deck in the center, and you’re ready to begin.
- Gameplay Order: Players take turns in clockwise order, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. On your turn, you have two options: you can either play cards from your hand or draw a card from the deck.
Playing Cards
The most exciting part of Exploding Kittens is the action cards, which allow players to make strategic moves. Here are some of the key cards you can play:
- Skip: Play this card to skip your turn and avoid drawing from the deck.
- Attack: This card forces the next player to take two turns in a row. It’s a great way to put pressure on your opponents and make them more likely to explode.
- Favor: With this card, you can ask another player to give you a card of their choice. It’s a sneaky way to collect valuable cards.
- Shuffle: If you think there’s an Exploding Kitten lurking near the top of the deck, you can play this card to shuffle the deck and mix things up.
- See the Future: This card allows you to peek at the top three cards of the deck, giving you insight into what’s coming up.
Drawing Cards
After playing your action cards, you must draw a card from the deck. This is the most suspenseful moment of the game. If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you’re immediately eliminated from the game, unless you have a Defuse card to save yourself. In that case, you can play the Defuse card and put the Exploding Kitten back in the deck, anywhere you choose.
Once all the Exploding Kittens have been drawn or defused, the game continues until only one player remains. That player is declared the winner.
Strategy and Bluffing in Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens may seem like a simple game of luck, but there is a surprising amount of strategy and bluffing involved. Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances of winning:
Manage Your Defuse Cards
Your Defuse cards are your ticket to survival. Use them wisely, and try to keep track of how many are left in the deck. If you can avoid drawing Exploding Kittens until your last Defuse card, you’ll have a better chance of making it to the end.
Use Action Cards to Your Advantage
The action cards can be game-changers if used strategically. For example, using the Attack card at the right moment can force your opponents to take extra turns, increasing their chances of drawing an Exploding Kitten. On the other hand, using a Skip card when you’re feeling too risky can help you avoid the danger.
Pay Attention to Other Players’ Moves
One of the most important aspects of Exploding Kittens is reading your opponents. Keep an eye on what cards they’re playing, and try to deduce their hand. If you see them playing a lot of action cards, it may indicate that they don’t have any Defuse cards left. This gives you a better idea of how to strategize your moves.
Don’t Be Afraid to Bluff
Bluffing can be an effective way to throw off your opponents. For example, if you have a powerful card like See the Future, you can bluff and pretend to have a different card in your hand. This can cause your opponents to make unnecessary moves, giving you an advantage.
Why You Should Play Exploding Kittens
There are plenty of reasons why Exploding Kittens has become such a popular game. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth adding to your collection:
Easy to Learn
Exploding Kittens is incredibly easy to pick up, making it a great game for both beginners and experienced players. The rules are simple, and it doesn’t require any prior knowledge of card games to get started.
Fast-Paced and Fun
Each round of Exploding Kittens lasts only a few minutes, making it a great choice for a quick game night. The fast-paced nature of the game ensures that everyone stays engaged and excited until the very end.
Hilarious Artwork and Theme
The quirky, humorous illustrations by Matthew Inman add a fun, light-hearted element to the game. The Exploding Kitten itself, as well as other cards like the Tacocat and Hairy Potato Cat, bring a smile to players’ faces and make the game even more enjoyable.
Great for Parties
Exploding Kittens is a fantastic party game, as it can accommodate multiple players and works well for both casual and competitive play. It’s a perfect icebreaker for groups, and the laughs are guaranteed.
Portable
The game is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you anywhere. Whether you’re on a road trip, at a picnic, or just hanging out with friends, Exploding Kittens is a great option for on-the-go fun.
Conclusion
Exploding Kittens is a game that blends suspense, strategy, and humor, making it a must-have for any game lover. With its simple rules, quick gameplay, and engaging mechanics, it’s no wonder that it has become such a hit. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Exploding Kittens promises hours of entertainment and laughter. So, gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and prepare for an unforgettable gaming experience. Will you survive the Exploding Kittens? There’s only one way to find out!