Coup*
Coup is a strategic bluffing game set in an Italian city-state. Players, as heads of rival families, seek to outmaneuver and eliminate others to be the last one standing. Influence is key, represented by face-down character cards, each offering unique powers.
Gameplay Overview
- Character Cards: Five types with distinct powers - Duke, Assassin, Contessa, Captain, and Ambassador.
- Actions: Take character-specific actions or general actions (Income, Foreign Aid, Coup) on your turn.
- Bluffing and Challenges: Bluff about your character's identity; challenges can lead to losing influence.
- Currency: Use coins for actions like assassination or coups.
- Losing Influence: If challenged successfully or targeted by a coup, lose influence. Lose both influences, and you're out.
- Inquisitor Character: An optional character offering new strategic options.
- Game End: The last player with influence wins.
Conclusion
Coup is an engaging game of deceit, strategy, and power dynamics. Perfect for those who enjoy bluffing and psychological mind games, it requires players to read opponents and make bold moves. With its mix of strategy and unpredictability, Coup promises a thrilling experience in every round.
Nominated for 3 awards.
- 👥 2 - 6 Players
- ⏱️ 15 Minutes
- 🧒 13+ years old
- 🧩 Immediately playable
Video reviews, ratings, Let's Plays and tests for Coup
We like Coup so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 8 in Best games released at SPIEL 2012 in Essen
- Position 23 in Best games where you harm opponents without eliminating them
- Position 13 in Best games with hidden roles
- Position 11 in The 59 favorite games of Matt from SU&SD
- Position 2 in The best board, card & dice games with political elements 👩💼
- Position 22 in The best board games where you have to bluff/lie
- Position 4 in The Best Card Games of the Year 2012 in Comparison
- Position 27 in The best children games for 13 years and older
- Position 4 in The Best Games from Heidelberger Spieleverlag 🇩🇪🏢
- Position 7 in The best games released in 2012📆
- Position 23 in The best games where you damage your opponent but don't take them totally out of the game
- Position 19 in The best games where you have to memorize things 🤔
- Position 25 in The best games with asymmetric player powers
- Position 25 in The best games with players having different skills
- Position 22 in The best player elimination board, card & dice games
- Position 11 in The 59 favourite games of Matt from SU&SD
- Position 23 in The most beautiful board, card & dice games of all time
Expansions for Coup
Already own Coup and want more? These expansions bring fresh variety to your games:
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