Last Updated on August 19, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Smug Owls is a fast-paced and imaginative party game where players create quirky answers to ridiculous riddles. If you can’t come up with something in time, you’ll become the Smug Owl—and judge the creativity of the others. The most clever player wins! Here’s a breakdown of the rules and how to play:

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How to Play Smug Owls

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What’s in the Box

• 89 Riddle Cards (blue backs)
• 17 Conjunction Cards (red backs with asterisks)
• 1 “What” Card
• 1 “?” Card
• 1 Smug Owl standee
• 12 Blank Cards (for custom content – optional)

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Game Setup

1. Prepare the Conjunction Deck: Shuffle the red-backed Conjunction cards and draw 8 of them. Stack them face down (owl side up) in the middle of the table. Return the rest to the box.
2. Prepare the Riddle Decks: Shuffle the blue-backed Riddle cards and split them evenly into two face-down piles. Place these on either side of the Conjunction deck.
3. Layout: Place the “What” card to the left and the “?” card to the right, below the decks—this is where riddles will be assembled.
4. Smug Owl: Place the Smug Owl standee near the “?” card.

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Objective in Smug Owls

Score the most cards by giving the funniest or cleverest answers to eight riddles. After eight rounds, the player with the most cards wins.

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Smug Owls Gameplay

Each round consists of a new riddle and a quickfire competition to come up with the best answer.

Step-by-Step:

1. Create the Riddle:
   Flip over the top card from each of the three decks (1 Riddle, 1 Conjunction, 1 Riddle). Place them in a row between the “What” and “?” cards to form a sentence.
2. Read Aloud:
   Read the riddle to the group so everyone hears it clearly.
3. Think Fast:
   Players try to come up with a creative or funny answer. Once you have one, slap your hand on the table (but don’t say your answer yet). Keep going until only one player hasn’t slapped.
4. Smug Owl Time:
   The last person to slap becomes the Smug Owl for the round. Take the Smug Owl standee. You won’t answer this round—you’re judging.
5. Answer Reveal:
   Starting with the first person who slapped, each player shares their answer aloud in clockwise order.
6. Award Cards:
   The Smug Owl gives out the 3 cards from the riddle (2 Riddles + 1 Conjunction) however they like. They can split them between players or give all to a single standout answer. The Smug Owl may not keep any cards.
7. Next Round:
   Return the Smug Owl to the table and start the next round with a new riddle.

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Game End

After 8 riddles have been completed, the game ends. The player with the most collected cards wins.

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Variants

Timed Mode

• As soon as the riddle is read, start a 30-second timer.
• Any players without an answer when time runs out become co-Smug Owls and share judging responsibilities.

Just for Fun Mode

• No slapping! Simply shout out answers as soon as you think of them.
• No Smug Owl, no scoring, just laughs. Move on when everyone’s ready.

Custom Cards

• Use the 12 blank cards to add your own riddles or conjunctions to future games.

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Smug Owls FAQ

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Video Tutorial