Official Balderdash Rules

Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Balderdash is a hilarious party game where players bluff and guess the definitions of obscure words or phrases. It’s a perfect game for groups of friends and family who enjoy a good laugh.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

Number of Players

2-6 Players

Components

• Movers (playing pieces, optional depending on the version)

• Game board (optional, depending on the version)

• Balderdash cards with various words, people, initials, movies, and laws (categories may vary)

• Answer sheet pads for players

• Die (sometimes used for determining word selection)

Objective

Earn points by either guessing the real definition of a word or having other players believe your made-up definition (bluff). The player with the most points at the end wins!

Setup

• Board Setup (Optional): If playing with a game board, place it in the center of the playing area. Each player takes a mover and places it on the starting space.
• Shuffle the Cards: Shuffle the Balderdash deck face down and place it within reach of all players.
• Answer Sheets: Each player takes a few answer sheets.

Gameplay

The game is played in rounds. Here’s a breakdown of a typical round:

Determining the Word:

• Die Roll (Optional): In some versions, a die is rolled to determine which category (words, people, etc.) and word number will be played on the card. You can also choose the category and word by common agreement.

• Card Selection: Without revealing the entire card, the Dasher (the player responsible for reading the definitions) peeks at the chosen word or phrase.

Dasher Reads the Question: The Dasher reads the category (e.g., “Words”) and writes down the real definition on their answer sheet (they keep this hidden).

Bluffing Time: The Dasher invents two or three outrageous and funny fake definitions for the chosen word. They write these fake definitions on the answer sheet alongside the real definition.

Mixing it Up: The Dasher shuffles all the answer sheets, including their own with the real definition, and distributes them face down to all players.

Guessing Time: Each player reads the definitions on their answer sheet (including the fake one) and tries to guess which one is the real definition. They write their guess (the letter A, B, C, or D corresponding to the definitions) on their answer sheet.

Revealing the Truth: The Dasher collects all the answer sheets and reveals the real definition and the chosen word.

Scoring

Correct Guess: Players who guessed the real definition score 2 points.

Brilliant Bluff: If players pick your fake definition as the real one, you score 1 point (you successfully bluffed them!).

Winning the Game

• The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds or until a player reaches a specific point total (e.g., 20 points). The player with the most points at the end wins the game and is crowned the “Bluffing Master!”

Additional Notes

Balderdash is a fun and social game. Encourage creativity and humor in the fake definitions.

The game can be adjusted for difficulty by choosing more obscure words or categories.

There might be variations in rules depending on the specific Balderdash version you have. Be sure to check the included instructions for any specific details.

Scoring

Payments

Payments are made during and after play, with adjustments based on points and the number of tricks won.

Ending the Game

A player who wins all sixteen tricks wins all the chips. The game can be ended by declaring Gobah, followed by additional deals or a final Tashi Gobah.

Additional Rules

• Balderdash is a fun and social game. Encourage creativity and humor in the fake definitions.

• The game can be adjusted for difficulty by choosing more obscure words or categories.

• There might be variations in rules depending on the specific Balderdash version you have. Be sure to check the included instructions for any specific details.

So get ready to unleash your inner bluffer and have a laugh-filled game night with the classic Balderdash game (1995)!