Balderdash
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 6 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 60 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.4 / 5
- Year
- 1984
About the game
Balderdash is a classic bluffing party game built around obscure real words that virtually no one has heard of. After a word is read aloud, players write plausible-sounding fake definitions, which are shuffled together with the real one and read back for everyone to vote on. Points are earned both for guessing the correct definition and for fooling opponents into picking your fabricated one. Simple to teach and endlessly variable thanks to its deck of unusual words, it has remained a party game staple since 1984.
Hobbli's Notes
Balderdash is a genre-defining bluffing game that still holds up thanks to how much it leans on your group's own creativity and humor. The format is simple enough to explain in a minute but keeps delivering laughs as long as players are willing to commit to a good bluff. A reliable choice whenever you want a classic, low-prep party game for a crowd.
What we like
- Classic, easy-to-learn bluffing formula.
- Endlessly replayable thanks to its huge word deck.
- Scales well for larger party groups.
- Rewards creative and funny definitions.
Keep in mind
- Vocabulary-heavy content isn't ideal for younger kids.
- Enjoyment depends heavily on the group's creativity.
- Rounds can run long with larger player counts.
Who it's for
Adults and teens who enjoy wordplay and bluffing, ages 12 and up, best in groups of 4-6.
