Let’s get weird. Whatever is a party card game that pushes the limits in creating awkward confessions and embarrassing (and hilarious) situations among players.
Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a massive surge in the number of adult-themed card games on the market. Today, players can enjoy raunchy games of everything from Cards Against Humanity, to “You’ve Got Crabs!”. However, though the number of fun and frivolous games for adults is growing, there still isn’t nearly as much variety on the market as many of us would like.
If you’re tired of whipping out CAH every time you’re having drinks with friends on a weekend, “Whatever” could be just the thing for you. This simple game got it’s start like a lot of the viral titles on the market today, with a successful funding round on Kickstarter. Let’s take a look at what it is, and how you can play.
What is it?
Whatever is a party game consisting of three types of cards: Challenge Cards, Showdowns, and Penalties. Players take turns with a spinner that lands on either a Challenge or Showdown card. If you complete a card successfully, you get to keep your card. If not, you must pull a Penalty card. The first player to collect 5 cards wins.
That’s the essence of this game. There are more detailed rules that come in the box, and we’ll review the instructions below, but you can start with the basics and just wing it.
It’s what’s written on the cards, and the ensuing penalties, that make this game so enjoyable.
We’ll give you some examples in the next section. (But note, I don’t want to reveal too much about what the cards say. You’ll need to experience the shock of learning what’s in store for you in a challenge, showdown or penalty to get the most out of this game.)
First, a disclaimer: This game is definitely not intended for children. Nor do we recommend playing with your in-laws, parents, boss, etc. If that’s the case, stick to something else (Bananagrams anyone?), unless you really don’t care about what they think of you.
If you want something you can just pick up and start playing without complicated rules or strategy, this is a (really) fun one. It will immediately have you smiling, laughing, and/or blushing in utter embarrassment (but don’t be a wimp!).
And, although we caution against playing this with people you don’t know that well or those who are easily offended, this is a game that can lighten up the mood with any crowd and break down some barriers in a social setting.
Because you never know how someone is going to spin, or how cards will be picked, there’s also a lot of replay value in this game too.
The makers of the game recommend not playing it with children – and we definitely agree with that – although you can certainly act like a child yourself while you play.
How to Play Whatever
The Whatever card game comes with three sets of cards and a spinner. There are 200 cards in total, which split out into 75 challenge cards, 75 showdown cards, and 50 penalty cards.
To start the game, lay all three decks facedown on a table, or your floor depending on where you’re playing. The person with the bushiest eyebrows gets to go first – unless someone in your group has a dimpled (butt) chin.
Once you’ve got all the cards laid out, spin the device provided in the box to determine whether you’re going to be completing a Showdown or Challenge card. A challenge is a dare that you’re forced to complete on your own.
On the other hand, if you get a Showdown, you compete against either one or multiple other players in the game. If you win the showdown or complete your challenge successfully, then you get to keep your card.
If you wimp out, fail the challenge or lose your showdown, you don’t keep your card. You’ll pick your penalty card from the deck and do that instead. And you won’t get to keep your penalty card towards your final score.
Showdown Cards: Examples
And a couple more:
- Who can do the best Morgan Freeman Impression? Spin to find your competitor. Read this statement out loud in his voice “… and then the toilet wouldn’t flush and I got really scared.” Group picks the winner.
Or
- Cinnamon contest: Spin to find out who you’re up against. East a spoonful of cinnamon. Whichever sucker spits or coughs first loses. Good luck! This one actually sucks balls.
Challenge Cards: Examples
Here’s another fun one:
- Ever have the runs? Let’s hear the story. Don’t leave out any details. If the crowd isn’t satisfied, no card.
Penalty Cards: Examples
Also good:
- Any time you talk for 1 round, you must end your statement with ‘my lord’ in a British accent. You worthless POS.
Or
- Give back all your cards, you little choad.
The Verdict
If you want something you can just pick up and start playing without complicated rules or strategy, this is a (really) fun one. It will immediately have you smiling, laughing, and/or blushing in utter embarrassment (but don’t be a wimp!).
And, although we caution against playing this with people you don’t know that well or those who are easily offended, this is a game that can lighten up the mood with any crowd and break down some barriers in a social setting.
Because you never know how someone is going to spin, or how cards will be picked, there’s also a lot of replay value in this game too.
The makers of the game recommend not playing it with children – and we definitely agree with that – although you can certainly act like a child yourself while you play.
