Coup

Coup: Bluff your way to power

Coup is a fast, competitive bluffing and social deduction card game for 2–6 players. Claim powerful character abilities, challenge suspicious opponents, and protect your hidden influence. You do not always need the card you claim, but you do need to convince the table.

Game at a glance

• Players: 2–6
• Recommended age: 13+
• Playing time: Approximately 15 minutes
• Designer: Rikki Tahta
• Publisher: Indie Boards & Cards
• Game style: Bluffing, social deduction, hidden characters, and player elimination

How do you play Coup?

Each player starts with two coins and two face-down character cards. These cards represent your influence. On your turn, take income, seek foreign aid, pay for a coup, or claim a character action. Other players can challenge character claims, putting either your influence or theirs at risk.

If you lose influence, turn one of your character cards face-up. Lose both and you are eliminated. The last player with a face-down character wins.

A coup costs seven coins and forces an opponent to lose influence. Once you have ten or more coins, you must launch a coup on your turn. Building your treasury puts pressure on rivals, but a convincing bluff can be just as dangerous.

Five characters, different ways to gain an edge

• Duke: Take three coins from the treasury or block foreign aid.
• Assassin: Pay three coins to attempt an assassination.
• Contessa: Block an assassination attempt against you.
• Captain: Steal two coins from an opponent or block stealing.
• Ambassador: Exchange cards with the court deck or block stealing.

Who is Coup for?

Choose Coup for a group that enjoys reading opponents, taking calculated risks, and calling bluffs. Its short playing time makes it a good fit between longer games or for a series of rematches. Expect direct competition and player elimination rather than cooperative problem-solving.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to hold a character to use its ability?

You may claim a character ability without holding that card. If challenged, you must prove the claim or lose influence. A failed challenge instead costs the challenger influence.

How many people can play Coup?

The base game supports 2–6 players and takes approximately 15 minutes.

Is Coup cooperative?

No. Each player competes to be the last person with influence remaining.

Are players eliminated?

Yes. A player who loses both influence cards is out of the game.

Is this a standalone game?

Yes. Coup is a standalone card game and does not require an expansion.