Mascarade

Mascarade

BluffingCard GameParty Game
Players
2-13
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
7 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.5 / 5
Year
2013

About the game

In Mascarade, every player receives a secret role card, but nobody can be entirely sure who holds which character once cards start getting swapped under the table. On your turn you can announce a character's power and use it, swap cards secretly with another player, or peek at your own card to confirm your current identity. Bold bluffing is rewarded, since claiming the wrong character in front of someone who knows better costs you a coin. The game plays 2 to 13 players in about 30 minutes, making it a flexible, social bluffing party game. First to 13 coins, or last with any coins at all, wins.

Hobbli's Notes

Mascarade is a masterclass in simple rules producing huge social chaos, especially once players start losing track of their own identity. We love that it scales from a tight two-player duel all the way up to a raucous 13-player party. The bluffing and memory elements make every announcement a small gamble worth savoring. It's one of the easiest bluffing games to teach to a mixed group.

What we like

  • Extremely flexible player count, scaling comfortably from 2 up to 13 players.
  • Simple core rules make it easy to teach to new and casual players.
  • Secret card swapping creates constant uncertainty about your own identity.
  • Fast 30-minute playtime keeps the bluffing tension high without dragging on.

Keep in mind

  • Luck of the role draw can outweigh skillful bluffing in some rounds.
  • Card swapping can confuse very new players until they grasp the flow.
  • Offers limited strategic depth for players seeking a heavier game.

Who it's for

Great for party groups aged 10+ looking for a fast, social bluffing game that scales from 2 up to 13 players.

Mechanics

Hidden Roles / TraitorMemoryVariable Player Powers

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