Cockroach Poker Royal
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 25 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.1 / 5
- Year
- 2012
About the game
Cockroach Poker Royal is a fast bluffing card game where players pass cards face-down to opponents while declaring, truthfully or not, what critter is shown. The receiving player must decide whether to believe the claim or pass the card along, until someone is forced to accept it. A player loses the moment they collect four cards of the same critter, or when they have no card left to play on their turn. It has nothing to do with poker, but everything to do with reading your friends' poker faces.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli considers this a superb icebreaker: dead simple rules but genuinely tense bluffing that works across a wide range of ages and groups.
What we like
- Extremely easy to learn and teach in minutes.
- Quick rounds keep the energy high.
- Works well across mixed-age groups.
- Strong bluffing and read-your-opponent fun factor.
Keep in mind
- Limited strategic depth beyond bluffing.
- Luck of the initial deal can affect outcomes.
- Can feel repetitive over many consecutive plays.
Who it's for
Great for families and casual groups of 2-6, ages 8+, looking for a quick, social bluffing game.
