If you're looking for a party game that combines humor, creativity, and some unexpected moments, then Joking Hazard is the perfect choice. Based on the popular Cyanide & Happiness comics, this game allows players to create their own outrageous comic strips using cards, leading to laughter, chaos, and plenty of surprises. Whether you're a fan of dark humor or just looking for a good time, Joking Hazard brings excitement to any game night.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to play Joking Hazard, its rules, and why it's an excellent addition to your collection of party games.
What Is Joking Hazard?
Joking Hazard is a party game that revolves around creating funny and often twisted comic strips using cards. The game was created by the artists behind Cyanide & Happiness, a webcomic known for its dark, absurd humor. The premise is simple: Players take turns drawing cards and then use them to complete a three-panel comic strip.
With each player contributing their own ideas to the comic, the game becomes a hilarious and unpredictable experience that can leave everyone in stitches.
What’s Included in the Box?
When you purchase Joking Hazard, you’ll find everything you need to start creating your own outrageous comic strips. Here’s what’s included in the box:
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360 cards (including setup cards and punchline cards)
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A rulebook
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A scoring system (optional, for those who prefer competitive play)
The cards are designed to give players a variety of setups and punchlines, allowing for endless combinations and plenty of opportunities for creativity.
How to Set Up Joking Hazard
Getting started with Joking Hazard is quick and easy. Here’s how to set up the game:
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Shuffle the cards: Separate the cards into two piles: Setup cards and Punchline cards.
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Choose a Judge: The game starts with one player acting as the "Judge." The Judge’s role is to choose the best comic strip created by the players.
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Distribute Punchline Cards: Each player receives a hand of three Punchline cards, which they will use to complete the comic strips.
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Ready to Play: The Judge draws a Setup card and reads it aloud. The Setup card sets the scene for the comic strip, while the players choose a Punchline card from their hand to complete the joke.
How to Play Joking Hazard
Playing Joking Hazard is simple but packed with laughs. Here’s a breakdown of the gameplay:
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The Judge Draws a Setup Card: The game starts with the Judge drawing a Setup card and reading it aloud to the group. This card sets the first panel of the comic strip.
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Players Choose a Punchline: Each player selects a Punchline card from their hand that they think fits the setup and adds humor to the comic. The goal is to create the funniest comic strip possible.
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Judge Chooses the Best Comic: Once all players have placed their Punchline cards face down, the Judge shuffles them and reads them aloud. The Judge then picks the card they think creates the best comic strip, and the player who submitted that card wins the round.
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Play Continues: After each round, the next player becomes the Judge, and the game continues with the same steps.
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Winning the Game: The first player to win a set number of rounds (usually 5 or 7) is declared the winner. Alternatively, you can play for a set time or until the cards run out.
Tips for Playing Joking Hazard
While Joking Hazard is easy to learn, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of the game:
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Be creative: The humor in Joking Hazard often comes from unexpected or absurd combinations. The more creative you are with your card choices, the funnier the result will be.
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Embrace dark humor: Joking Hazard is known for its edgy and sometimes dark humor. Make sure your group is comfortable with the content before you start playing.
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Mix up the rules: If you prefer a competitive twist, keep score and compete to create the funniest comic strips. You can also try playing without scoring and just focus on the fun.
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Know your audience: Since the game features humor that can be dark or controversial, it’s essential to play with people who have a similar sense of humor.
Why Joking Hazard Is Perfect for Parties
Joking Hazard is ideal for game nights because it combines creativity with humor, making it a fun and interactive experience for everyone. Here’s why it’s perfect for parties:
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Easy to learn: The rules are straightforward, so you can start playing quickly without any complicated instructions.
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Great for larger groups: Joking Hazard works well with a variety of players, from small gatherings to large parties.
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Endless combinations: With 360 cards in the deck, the possibilities for creating comic strips are virtually limitless, ensuring that every round feels fresh and funny.
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Perfect for fans of dark humor: If you and your friends enjoy Cyanide & Happiness, you’ll love Joking Hazard. The game delivers the same type of humor with added interactive fun.
Fun Variations to Try
If you want to mix things up a bit, try these fun variations of Joking Hazard:
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Team Play: Split the group into teams, with each team working together to create the funniest comic strip.
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Blind Judge: Instead of letting the Judge know who played which card, make it anonymous and let the group vote on the funniest comic strip.
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Themed Rounds: Assign specific themes or categories for each round, such as “most absurd,” “darkest,” or “most unexpected.”
Wrap Up Your Game Night with Joking Hazard
Joking Hazard is the perfect game for anyone who loves humor, creativity, and unpredictability. Whether you're playing with a few friends or hosting a big party, this game guarantees laughs and a lot of fun. With easy-to-learn rules, endless combinations, and humor that’s sure to get everyone talking, it’s a must-have for any game night.
Grab a Joking Hazard deck on Amazon!
FAQs About Joking Hazard
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How many players can play Joking Hazard?
Joking Hazard can be played by 3 to 10 players, making it perfect for both small and large groups. -
What’s the age recommendation for Joking Hazard?
Joking Hazard is recommended for players aged 17 and up due to its mature, dark humor. -
How long does a game of Joking Hazard last?
A typical game of Joking Hazard lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of players and rounds. -
Can I play Joking Hazard with mixed-age groups?
Given its mature themes, Joking Hazard is best suited for adults and may not be appropriate for younger players. -
Where can I buy Joking Hazard?
You can find Joking Hazard at major online retailers like Amazon. -
Are you an Amazon Associate, and what does that mean?
Pick Me Up is a part of the Amazon Associate program. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on links to various merchants on this blog, this can result in us earning a commission.
