Coup is a fast-paced bluffing game set in a dystopian future. Lie to, steal from, tax, assassinate, and Coup your opponents — or at least convincingly pretend to. Last player with cards in hand wins.
Full thoughts: Coup Review · Want more variety? Alternative Coup Variations
What’s In The Box
- 15 playing cards (3 of each of 5 characters)
- Coins
- 6 action reference cards (one per player)
Setup
How a Turn Works
On your turn, you declare an action. Here’s the key: you can perform the action of any character — whether you actually have that card or not. This is the heart of the game.
After you declare, every other player has three options:
Option 1
Believe You
Do nothing and let the action happen. Works whether you're telling the truth or bluffing.
Option 2
Call "Bullshit"
Challenge your claim. You must reveal the card you said you had. If you don't have it: you lose a card. If you do have it: the challenger loses a card and you shuffle your revealed card back and draw a new one.
Option 3
Counter-Action
Play a character that blocks the action — whether they actually have that card or not. Then anyone (including you) can call that bluff too.
Losing Cards & Elimination
You lose a card in three ways:
- Called out on a bluff — you don’t have the card you claimed
- Assassinated — another player plays the Assassin against you
- Coup’d — another player pays 7 coins to eliminate one of your cards (cannot be blocked)
When you lose both cards, you’re out. Last player standing wins.
Forced Coup: If you ever have 10 or more coins, you must Coup someone on your turn.
The Characters
| Character | Action | Counter (blocks) |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | Take 3 coins (Tax) | Foreign Aid |
| Assassin | Pay 3 coins to eliminate a card | — |
| Captain | Steal 2 coins from a player | Stealing (Captain or Ambassador) |
| Ambassador | Draw 2 cards, swap any, return extras | Stealing |
| Contessa | — | Assassination |
The Key to Winning
Consistency. Pick a card to bluff as and stick to it. Every inconsistency — claiming Duke on turn 2, then suddenly claiming Assassin on turn 5 — gives other players information. The best bluffers commit to a character and never waver.
Aggressive calling without evidence burns you fast. Patient players who pick their challenges carefully win more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I counter-action my own turn?
No. Counter-actions are only for other players responding to your declared action.
Can the Contessa block an assassination even if I don't have it?
Yes — you can claim any counter-action whether you have the card or not. The other player can then call your bluff.
What happens when I'm called out and I do have the card?
The challenger loses a card. You shuffle your revealed card back into the deck and draw a new one.
Can a Coup be blocked or challenged?
No. A Coup automatically eliminates one card and cannot be countered or challenged.
