The BS game that generally takes the longest is a highly complex version with many players, each holding large numbers of cards, and with complicated, shifting rules.
Ever found yourself in a never-ending game of BS? We all have. It makes you wonder what BS game takes longest, doesn’t it? Some versions just seem to drag on for hours, leaving everyone frustrated and exhausted.
The simplicity of the rules might fool you, but the dynamic between players and card management can truly extend the play time. A lot of times it feels like the game will never end, and all you want is to finish that round.
What BS Game Takes Longest? Unpacking the Time Sink
Okay, let’s dive deep into a question that has plagued card game enthusiasts and casual players alike: what card game, specifically those involving the art of bluffing (aka “BS” games), takes the longest to play? The answer, as you might suspect, isn’t a simple one. It depends on several factors, from the number of players to the specific rules used. However, we can certainly explore some of the usual suspects and what makes them potentially lengthy endeavors.
The Usual Suspects in the Long Game Arena
Several popular “BS” style games tend to stand out when it comes to game length. These aren’t necessarily the most complex, but a combination of player count, rules variations, and just plain human nature can turn them into marathon sessions. Let’s take a look at some of the main contenders:
The Classic Game of Cheat (aka Bullshit, I Doubt It)
This is probably the first game that pops into most people’s minds when thinking about bluffing card games. The basic premise is simple: get rid of all your cards by placing them face down and claiming a certain rank. The catch? You can lie. The other players can call “bullshit,” and if you are caught, you have to pick up all the cards. Sounds straightforward, right? But here’s why this can be a real time-sink:
- Player Count: More players mean more turns, which drastically increases the game length. With a large group, it can feel like it takes forever for the play to get back around to you.
- Strategic Lying (or not): Players can choose to be very strategic in their lies, which takes time, or they can become very cautious, making the game a slow crawl. They might spend a lot of time thinking about what to call and when to call it.
- Endless “Bullshit” Calls: If players are very call-happy, they end up picking up cards very often, which stalls out progress and prolongs the game. A bad calling streak can create an endless loop of picking up cards.
Example: Imagine a group of 8 players, all with a knack for deception, where everyone constantly calls “bullshit”, the game becomes a never-ending cycle of cards being added to the pile, it will take way more than one hours to end a game like this.
Variations of “Cheat” Around the World
What many people don’t realize is that “Cheat” isn’t just one single, standardized game. There are tons of variations with different names (like “Bullshit,” “I Doubt It,” and more) that each have a slightly different set of rules that can affect the length of play.
- Specific Card Rules: Some versions have rules about specific cards having special powers or causing a change in gameplay, making people think much more during their turn. For instance, an “eight” may require next player to draw card, or any jack will force the player to change the number being played, which can change the pace of the game significantly.
- Challenging Styles: Some people like to challenge more than others, and some groups will enforce a strict rule of calling every lie, and this increases the chances of cards being added to the deck.
- House Rules: Different groups can decide on different rules, creating many custom versions of the game, and many time players make it even more time taking due to these kinds of rules.
Factors Influencing Game Length: Going Beyond the Basic Rules
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why these games can get out of hand. It’s not always about the rules themselves; several factors contribute to how long a game takes:
The Player Mindset: Patience or Aggression?
The attitude of the players has a significant influence on how long the game will be. Some people are naturally more careful and take their time with every move. Some are more aggressive and don’t overthink, choosing to trust their guts. Some players enjoy the art of the bluff, and that takes more time.
- The Slow and Steady Strategy: Players who meticulously plan every move, consider all possibilities, and take a long time to make their decision, add significant time to the overall game. They are probably good at deception, but it does lengthen the duration.
- The Risk-Takers: Players who call “bullshit” constantly can speed up the game by adding more cards into the game, but they can also extend it if they are wrong most of the time.
- The Bluff Master: Players who use many layers to create a convincing bluff can take longer to play. They create situations where the other players have to think deeply and are often not sure if it is true or not, which again adds more time to the gameplay.
Number of Players: A Crowd Can Mean a Long Game
This is a no-brainer, but worth emphasizing. The more players you have, the more turns you need, and thus the longer the game will take. Think about it: In a two-player game, the action comes back to you quickly. But in an 8-player game, it could take a while before it’s your turn to act.
Example: A 3-player game of “Cheat” might take 20 minutes, while the same game with 8 players might last well over an hour.
House Rules: The Wild Card
We’ve touched on this, but it’s worth repeating: house rules can change everything. If your group decides to add extra rules (like special cards or changing calling rules), that can increase the time to complete the game. Here’s how house rules impact game length:
- Complexity Increase: Rules that add more layers of strategy or decision-making increase the time a turn takes.
- Added Penalties: Extra punishments for calling “bullshit” incorrectly or other penalties tend to slow the game because they increase the chances of cards being added back to the pile.
- Decision Paralysis: With too many options or complicated rules, players can get caught in a loop of overthinking, causing the game to slow down.
Analyzing Long Game Scenarios: When Time Seems to Stop
Now, let’s look at some concrete scenarios that can make these bluffing card games exceptionally long:
The Endless Loop of Suspicion:
Imagine a group where everyone is overly cautious and suspicious. They all think that every player is trying to pull a fast one and call “bullshit” left and right. This can cause everyone to pick up cards on a regular basis, keeping them in the game longer. This scenario is not fun for the most part, but it happens frequently.
The Strategic Stalemate:
Another scenario is when players are very strategic. They bluff so expertly that nobody wants to call “bullshit” because they are afraid they might be wrong. This leads to slow, cautious play, and the game crawls along as nobody is willing to take any risks.
The New Player Effect:
A new player can cause a game to last longer. A new player might need extra time to understand the rules, they might also be too scared to take any risks at all. If the new player is also slow at making decisions, this is a recipe for a long game!
The Combination of All of the Above:
The most time-consuming scenario is when multiple factors come together, like having a large group, where each individual is very cautious, and they have some complicated house rules. This creates the perfect storm for a game that can take hours.
Tips to Keep the Game Moving (Without Sacrificing Fun)
While there is fun in playing a long game, sometimes you want to keep the pace steady. Here are a few tips for maintaining the game speed.
- Establish Clear Rules: Before you start, be sure everyone understands the specific rules, including any house rules. This eliminates confusion and arguments that can slow the pace.
- Set a Time Limit: If your group struggles to keep things moving, introduce a time limit for each turn. This makes people make fast decisions and keeps the game moving.
- Encourage Risk-Taking (in Moderation): Sometimes you have to be a little risky, if everyone is scared of calling, that’s not a fun game. If it gets too slow, someone has to make the first move.
- Keep Calling Balanced: If everyone is calling everyone all the time, the game will last a long time. If no one calls, it can also be slow. Keep a good balance between calling and not calling, this will improve the pace of the game.
Ultimately, the “longest” BS game is less about the game itself and more about the environment in which it’s played. Player behavior, specific variations, and even the mood of the group on any particular day can drastically influence the clock. The fun thing is that even when it lasts for a long time, the game never gets dull, and players keep going until one player manages to throw all his/her cards away.
BIGGEST FLEXES IN BRAWL STARS! pt. 2 #brawlstars #bs #gaming
Final Thoughts
Generally, games with complex rule sets and numerous players often extend playtime. Strategic bluffing in games with many rounds or intricate scoring systems can also contribute to longer durations. Some may find adding house rules further lengthens the time.
Ultimately, assessing what BS game takes longest depends on specific variables like player count and agreed-upon modifications to established rules. Considering these aspects helps determine time spent playing.
