Ready to laugh until your sides hurt? If you enjoy twisted humor, outrageous punchlines, and comic-strip chaos, Joking Hazard is your next favorite card game. Created by the minds behind Cyanide & Happiness, this adult party game lets players compete to build the funniest—and often most absurd—three-panel comic strips.
Whether you’re playing with friends in person or joining a virtual session, Joking Hazard guarantees laughs, awkward moments, and unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into what makes this game a must-have for fans of dark humor and party entertainment.
Table of Contents
Joking Hazard: Original Game and Expansions
1. Original Joking Hazard Game
The original Joking Hazard card game is the ultimate party game for fans of dark and absurd humor. Created by the minds behind the Cyanide & Happiness webcomic, it challenges players to build the funniest three-panel comic strips using a deck of 360 cards (including 10 customizable blanks).
2. Stroking Hazard by Joking Hazard
Joking Hazard is a bold expansion from Cyanide & Happiness and Pornhub, featuring 50 hilariously risqué, porn-themed cards that take your Joking Hazard game to steamy new heights. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the base game (must required), this adults-only pack is packed with humor so cheeky it might leave you blushing.
3. Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #1
Inject new life into your Joking Hazard sessions with Deck Enhancement #1. This expansion is packed with panels that explore the hilarious ups and downs of life’s most absurd moments. Whether you’re building comics that hit close to home or creating scenarios that are outrageously relatable, this deck guarantees more laugh-out-loud combinations for every round.
4. Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #2
Brighten your game nights with Deck Enhancement #2, designed to turn frowns upside down. This expansion features humor that’s guaranteed to cheer up your group, even if you’ve been the cause of their gloom. It’s a perfect addition to keep the laughs rolling and make your game sessions even more entertaining.
5. Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #3
Get ready for the unexpected with Deck Enhancement #3—or not! With its cheeky, self-aware humor, this expansion keeps the fun alive by reminding you to enjoy the very real chaos of Decks #1 and #2. Perfect for fans who love a clever twist, it adds a meta-layer of hilarity to your Joking Hazard collection.
6. Joking Hazard Deck Enhancement #4
Blow your game wide open with Deck Enhancement #4, featuring 100 new cards that take absurdity to explosive new levels. Created by comedy writers on a mission to deliver maximum laughs, this deck offers more content than Avengers: Endgame runtime—ensuring your comics are bigger, better, and more unpredictable than ever!
How to Play Joking Hazard
Game Setup
- Gather 3 or more players (5-6 players is the real sweet spot).
- Each player draws seven cards.
- Designate a judge for the first round. Rotate the judge role after each round.
Creating Comics with Joking Hazard
- Starting the Round:
- The judge draws the top card from the deck and plays it face-up in the center as Panel 1.
- If the drawn card has a black border, it triggers a regular round.
- If it’s a red-border card, it acts as the final panel, skipping the judge’s card selection step.
- Judge’s Setup:
- In regular rounds, the judge selects a card from their hand to play as Panel 2, creating the comic’s setup.
- For red-border rounds, the judge skips this step, as the red-border card serves as the final punchline.
- Player Submissions:
- The remaining players select a card from their hand to act as Panel 3, completing the comic.
- All submissions are placed face-down for anonymity.
- Selecting the Winner:
- The judge reveals the submissions and reads the full comic aloud.
- The funniest or most fitting card is chosen as the winner, and the player earns a point.
- Scoring and Refreshing Hands:
- The winner keeps their winning card visible as a score marker.
- Players replenish their hand back to seven cards before the next round.
- Winning and End of the Game:
- Repeat until someone reaches three points, or continue for as long as the laughs keep coming, and the player with the most points wins.
Customization Options for a Personal Touch
1. Blank Cards for Unique Humor
Get creative with the 10 write-your-own cards included in the base game. Personalize your deck with inside jokes, funny quotes, or references that resonate with your group for a truly customized gaming experience.
2. Themed Rounds for Variety (More Themes Below)
Introduce themed challenges to your sessions to keep the fun dynamic and fresh:
- Dark Humor Mode: Only the edgiest cards allowed.
- Office Shenanigans: Build comics around workplace drama or mishaps.
- Love and Breakups: Focus on hilariously awkward romantic scenarios.
3. House Rules for More Laughs (Learn More Below)
Create your own house rules to match your group’s humor style. For example:
- Tag-Team Comics: Partner with another player to build a collaborative comic.
- Wildcard Rule: Play one “wildcard” per game to redraw your hand for an edge.
Reddit-Inspired House Rules for Joking Hazard
Elevate your Joking Hazard experience with these creative house rules inspired by the Reddit community. Below is a comprehensive guide combining official rules with fun house rules and variations to keep the laughs rolling.
Refreshing Hands
- Hand Refresh Rule: Players may discard their entire hand and draw a new one twice per game. This prevents stale card combinations and keeps the game dynamic.
- Card Swap Anytime: Allow players to exchange one or two cards from their hand at any time during the game. This gives everyone a chance to stay competitive.
- Free-for-All Swap: In casual settings, permit unlimited swaps of any number of cards, as long as the hand limit is respected.
Creative Variations
- Ongoing Comic Challenge: Instead of resetting each round, build one continuous storyline over several rounds. Each player adds a panel to the previous round’s comic, resulting in a hilariously chaotic extended narrative.
- Judge’s Humor Bonus: The judge selects a theme (e.g., awkward moments, dark humor, or absurd situations). Submissions that align with the theme earn bonus points.
Late-Night Chaos Rule
- As the night progresses, loosen the rules: allow multiple card submissions per round, encourage wild combinations, or remove point limits to keep the fun rolling.
Tips for Diverse Group Sizes
- Small Groups (3-4 players): Incorporate random cards from the deck to fill the comic, keeping gameplay unpredictable.
- Large Groups (6+ players): Add limits to card submission time or rotate judges frequently to maintain pace and engagement.
Turning Joking Hazard into a Drinking Game
Setting the Rules for a Drinking Twist
Take the hilarity to another level by adding intoxicated twist into card game. A few simple rules can transform Joking Hazard into the ultimate party drinking game:
- Rule 1: Sip every time a red-border card is played.
- Rule 2: Chug if you accidentally play a card that doesn’t fit the comic at all.
- Rule 3: Everyone drinks if the comic strip makes sense (a rare occurrence!).
Tips for Safe and Fun Play
- Pace yourself! The goal is fun, not regret.
- Offer non-alcoholic alternatives to include everyone.
- Be mindful of the humor level to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Hilarious Variations for Joking Hazard Drinking Game
Take your Joking Hazard game to a new level of hilarity with these innovative and cheeky drinking variations. Designed to amplify the fun (and maybe your buzz), these rules will turn your game night into a memorable party:
1. Double Trouble Rounds
In this variation, players play two rounds simultaneously.
- Everyone submits two cards per comic (one for each setup).
- The judge decides on a winner for each comic, and the losers must finish their drink.
- If a single player wins both comics, everyone else takes a shot in honor of their unmatched humor.
2. The Dare Panel Challenge
Introduce dares for the judge to assign to players based on their cards:
- Play a card the judge finds “extra cringy”? Take a dare or a drink.
- If the judge laughs so hard they can’t breathe, they pick someone to take a shot.
- Submit a card with an inside joke? Everyone who doesn’t get it takes a sip.
3. Deck Dive of Doom
Midway through the game, introduce the “Deck Dive” rule:
- Players can “Deck Dive” by discarding their hand and drawing five new cards.
- The catch? Every time someone dives into the deck, they have to finish their drink before submitting a new card.
4. Speed Submission Sudden Death
In this variation, each round is timed:
- Players have 10 seconds to submit their cards once the judge announces “Go!”
- Miss the deadline? Take a penalty shot!
- If the judge can’t decide a winner within 15 seconds, they take a shot themselves.
5. “What Were You Thinking?” Rule
When a card submission leaves the group utterly confused:
- The player who submitted the baffling card must explain their thought process while taking a drink.
- If their explanation gets a laugh, they can assign a drink to someone else as a reward.
6. Ultimate Comic Consequence
At the end of each round, create a group vote for “Most Embarrassing Comic.”
- If a player’s submission is voted the worst match, they take a big drink.
- If the comic ends up too good (unexpected brilliance), the entire group toasts and drinks together.
Creative Themed Drinking Games for Joking Hazard
Add an extra twist to your Joking Hazard drinking game by incorporating famous comic themes inspired by the absurd and hilarious world of Cyanide & Happiness. These themes not only bring structure to the chaos but also keep the drinks flowing and the laughter endless!
1. The “Awkward Romance” Round
- Players must craft a comic that involves a hilariously uncomfortable love story or breakup scene.
- Drinking Rules:
- The player with the “cringiest” card takes a sip for their bold submission.
- The player who wins the round can assign a drink to the person who they think is “most likely to star in this comic.”
2. The “Office Gone Wrong” Round
- Set the stage for workplace disasters, awkward coworkers, or inappropriate meetings.
- Drinking Rules:
- If your card is too relatable, you take a sip in shame.
- The judge drinks if the comic reminds them of something they’ve actually experienced.
3. “Superhero Misadventures”
- All submissions must involve a superhero with questionable powers or a day gone horribly wrong.
- Drinking Rules:
- The player with the most “heroic fail” card takes a drink.
- If the judge declares the comic “worthy of its own movie,” everyone takes a celebratory sip.
4. “Dark Humor Duel”
- Dive deep into the Cyanide & Happiness trademark style with cards that evoke the darkest, funniest scenarios.
- Drinking Rules:
- If your card crosses the line and shocks the judge, you take a drink for going “too far.”
- If your card gets the biggest laugh, you can assign two drinks to the group.
5. “Zombies, Aliens, and Apocalypse” Round
- Players craft comics set in a post-apocalyptic world, zombie invasion, or alien encounter.
- Drinking Rules:
- Players take a sip if their card is voted the most unrealistic.
- If the comic ends with everyone “dying,” the group toasts and drinks together.
6. “Family Dinner Fiasco”
- Build a comic around awkward family moments, like embarrassing parents, uninvited guests, or bad cooking.
- Drinking Rules:
- The person who submits the most relatable card takes a sip and shares a real-life story.
- If the judge picks the funniest card, they assign drinks to the group member who’d “fit in” with this fictional family.
7. “Awkward Public Encounters” Round
- Center the comic around hilarious public faux pas, like mishaps on a date or embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
- Drinking Rules:
- If your card makes someone laugh out loud, you can assign them a drink.
- The judge drinks if the comic makes them recall an embarrassing personal moment.
8. “Good vs. Evil” Showdown
- Players create a comic featuring an epic clash between good and evil with a ridiculous twist.
- Drinking Rules:
- The player with the “lamest villain” card takes a drink.
- If the comic ends with the villain winning, everyone drinks to honor the dark side.
9. “Medical Mishaps” Round
- Build a comic around absurd hospital scenes, strange doctors, or “unexpected diagnoses.”
- Drinking Rules:
- The player whose card is deemed “too accurate” takes a drink for their expertise.
- If the comic makes the judge cringe, they take a sip to recover.
10. “Bizarre Life Advice” Round
- Players craft comics that center around odd or bad life advice.
- Drinking Rules:
- If the advice is something you’ve actually followed, take a sip in self-reflection.
- The winner assigns a drink to the person who needs this advice the most.
These themed comic variations bring structure and hilarity to the Joking Hazard drinking game, allowing players to dive into familiar scenarios while enjoying a unique twist. Each theme enhances the game’s humor and ensures everyone has a role to play—and a drink to sip!
Why Joking Hazard is the Ultimate Party Game
Joking Hazard combines creativity, humor, and unpredictability in a way few games can match. It’s easy to learn, yet endlessly entertaining, thanks to the wide variety of cards.
Fans of similar games like Cards Against Humanity will love the storytelling aspect that Joking Hazard brings. Instead of just one-liners, players create mini-comics, adding a new layer of creativity to the party game genre.
What players love most:
- The absurdity of the comic strips.
- The opportunity to craft jokes tailored to their friends’ humor.
- How every round feels fresh and unique.
Joking Hazard is a celebration of creativity, humor, and camaraderie. Whether you’re crafting outrageous comics with friends or turning the game into a hilarious drinking challenge, it’s guaranteed to be the highlight of any gathering.
FAQs about Joking Hazard
How many players can play Joking Hazard?
The game works best with 3 or more players, with 5-6 being the ideal number for balanced humor and variety.
Is Joking Hazard family-friendly?
No, Joking Hazard is intended for adults due to its dark, risqué humor. It’s recommended for players 18 and older.
How long does a game of Joking Hazard take?
A typical game lasts 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of players and rounds played.
Can you play Joking Hazard online?
Yes, Joking Hazard can be played online using platforms like PlayingCards.io, which replicates the gameplay virtually.
What are the red-border cards for?
Red-border cards are special and act as the final panel in the comic strip. These often add unexpected twists to the game.
Are there expansion packs for Joking Hazard?
Yes! Joking Hazard offers four hilarious Deck Enhancements, each adding unique cards to elevate your game:
– Deck Enhancement #1: Build comics inspired by life’s most absurd and relatable moments with this laugh-out-loud expansion.
– Deck Enhancement #2: Brighten your game nights with content guaranteed to cheer up even the gloomiest of friends.
– Deck Enhancement #3: This cheeky, self-aware expansion keeps the humor rolling while celebrating the fun of Decks #1 and #2.
– Deck Enhancement #4: Explode your deck with 100 new cards developed by comedy writers in their funniest (and saddest) Zoom sessions.
What’s the best way to store the cards?
Storing cards in the original box is the smartest choice. For multiple expansions, Joking Hazard: Enlarged Box is perfect for holding the base game and extra decks, keeping everything neat and ready to play.
How do you win Joking Hazard?
The first player to earn three points by winning rounds is declared the winner, but you can adjust the goal for longer or shorter games.
Can Joking Hazard be played as a drinking game?
Absolutely! Joking Hazard’s humor and unpredictability make it perfect for a drinking game with creative rules to enhance the fun.
Can non-drinkers join in the fun?
Yes! Offer non-alcoholic options like mocktails or water for anyone who doesn’t drink. You can also adjust penalties to include funny dares or extra card submissions instead of drinking.
Can you create your own house rules for Joking Hazard drinking games?
Absolutely! The best part of a drinking game is its flexibility. Combine traditional gameplay with custom penalties or rewards to fit your group’s humor and drinking tolerance.