Keeping busy in the age of self-quarantine can be tough, especially when social distancing prevents us from being around our friends and family, and the news is constantly reminding us of how dire the situation is. But there are plenty of ways to stay connected with others who are also stuck at home through games like Cards Against Humanity.
If you're tired of Zoom calls and Netflix Party, you can add playing cards to your list of things to do. The website PlayingCards.io offers plenty of options like Go Fish and Match Up online with friends, as well as create your own custom card games. However, if those games aren't your style (or you'd prefer a more mature experience) the site also offers the aforementioned NSFW card game.
Cards Against Humanity is a fill-in-the-blank card game designed to be the adult version of Apples to Apples. Like its family-friendly inspiration, players each start with a hand of seven white cards and try to earn black cards. Each black card features a phrase or question that needs to be answered with one of the white cards, and players take turns acting as the "Card Czar" who judges the other player's anonymous responses. Once all the players have placed a white card face down, the Card Czar gathers the cards, shuffles them and reads them aloud. The Card Czar then picks the white card they feel best fits the statement on the black card, or the card they just think is the funniest. A new player then becomes the Card Czar and the game continues until one player is declared the winner.
What makes the game so popular are the inappropriate, ridiculous and sometimes politically incorrect statements on the cards, usually making jokes about race, religion and politics. Though it has garnered some controversy for jokes involving sex and violence, the series has been a huge success and spawned several themed expansion packs.
Playing the game online using is simple. By selecting "Cards Against Humanity" from the PlayingCards.io home page, you'll be taken to a virtual table and given a link to send to friends so they can join you. Each room can hold up to six players and provides 500 white cards and 99 black cards. Rooms can also be customized with widgets to make each room personal. All actions within the room are synchronized, allowing numerous players to moves at the same time. Rooms are saved as you play and are automatically removed after two weeks on inactivity, allowing you to come back to a game later. With no preset rules, the game can go on for as long as you want, just like in the real game. There is currently no chat function on the site, tough, so you're still going to need to use either Skype or Zoom to talk to your friends.
Considering how NSFW the game is, Cards Against Humanity is the perfect game to play online with friends, allowing you be as raunchy as possible without any form of judgement. The humor of the game and the choices can easily be tailored for your particular group, leading to the kinds of unique jokes and hilarious interactions that'll help you get through these difficult times.