Coup

Coup (2012) is a communication game where you fight to become the only player left with political influence. You play by taking on the roles of five different powerful (uniquely skilled) government officials to become the last politician standing. It is a game of manipulation, bribery and bluffing as you lie about your cards to get to the top - much like actual politics.

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When the game starts, you are secretly dealt two Character cards face down. But interestingly, you can decide to pretend to have different characters and use those actions instead. Each character has their own special actions and counteractions. For example, the Assassin can be used to kill another character, whereas the Contessa can be used to block an assassination attempt. You use these actions to kill off other players so you can become the last person standing.

As you play, you take turns to claim the ability to perform actions and carry out the results. However, almost all of the actions can be blocked. So each turn becomes a clinical back and forth of claim and counterclaim. If you become suspicious of another player, you can challenge them to reveal their card. Succeed and they lose a character, fail and you lose a character. This continues until you eventually find a winner.

The result is a poker-like battle of wits, where you must balance using the characters and actions that you are dealt with and the actions you can get away with. Use too many lies and subtle deceptions and like Nixon before you, you will find yourself out of the office quicker than you can say Watergate.

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Our examiner, Rob Prior, first checked Coup 23 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 12 months ago.