Balderdash

1 Overview

Balderdash is a bluffing party game for 3–8 players. One player (the Dasher) reads an obscure word, fact, name, or acronym. Everyone else secretly writes a convincing fake answer. All answers — including the real one — are read aloud and players vote on which they think is correct. Fool people with your bluff, or guess the truth yourself, to score points.

2 Setup

Each player takes a pad and pencil. Place the gameboard in the center and give everyone a playing piece. Shuffle the card decks by category. Choose the first Dasher.

3 Gameplay

1. The Dasher draws a card, picks a category, and reads the prompt aloud (but not the answer).
2. All other players secretly write their best fake answer on paper and pass it to the Dasher.
3. The Dasher also writes the real answer on a separate slip (if they haven't seen it yet) — or records it privately.
4. The Dasher shuffles all answers (including the real one) and reads them all aloud, assigning each a letter (A, B, C…).
5. Players vote by writing the letter they believe is the real answer.
6. Reveal votes and the correct answer. Score points accordingly.
7. Pass the Dasher role clockwise. Advance markers on the board.

4 Categories

• Words (W): Obscure dictionary words — write a plausible definition.
• People (P): Real but obscure people — write what they're known for.
• Initials (I): Acronyms — write what you think they stand for.
• Movies (M): Strange real film titles — write a plot summary.
• Laws (L): Unusual real laws — write what you think the law says.

5 Scoring

• +1 point for each player who votes for your bluff answer.
• +2 points if you correctly guess the real answer.
• +2 points for the Dasher if nobody guesses correctly.
• +1 point to the Dasher for each player who guesses correctly (some editions vary).

6 Winning

First player to reach the finish space on the board (or the agreed point total) wins.

7 Tips

• Sound authoritative — use formal, technical-sounding language. Confidence sells a bluff.
• Match the style of the category. Dictionary definitions sound different from legal language.
• Don't overthink guessing — real answers are often stranger than they sound. The most absurd-but-specific answer is frequently the real one.
• Watch the Dasher — they sometimes react slightly when reading the real answer.