Social Deception • Card Game

Call the bluff. Twist the rules. Trust no one.

A lean, high‑chaos spin on Cheat: accuse boldly, play action cards when you’re called out, and manipulate the pile with suspects, weapons, and locations.

Join the Playtest Learn the Rules

2–8 players • 15–30 mins • Ages 12+

What makes it different?

  • No full‑pile penalty: accusing is core gameplay.
  • If an action modifier was played that turn, its effect overrides everything—even if there was a lie.
  • Three suits: Suspects, Weapons, Locations.
  • Rare instant cards trigger the moment they’re discarded face‑up.

How to play

1

Setup

Deal hands. Start a play pile. First player declares a category (Suspects, Weapons, or Locations) and discards 1–3 cards face down.

2

Accuse or pass

Next players either play matching cards (by declared category) or accuse the previous player of lying. Accusations drive the game.

3

Action overrides

When accused, reveal just the last turn’s cards. If any was an action modifier, its effect happens instead of the normal outcome—even if there was a lie.

Design tweak: The classic “take the entire pile when wrong” rule is removed. Players stay bold with accusations, keeping tension high and turns fast.

Action cards

If any of these modifiers was played in the accused turn, its effect overrides everything.

Deceit

The accuser must pick up 12 cards from the play pile.

Swap

The accuser must swap hands with the accusee.

Block

Nothing much happens — the accusee isn’t caught.

Suspicion

The accuser must play their next two turns face up. The accusee isn’t caught.

Decoy

The accusee may discard two extra cards into the play pile.

Instant cards (rare)

Some cards are discarded face up and trigger immediately. Use them sparingly for surprise swings.

Three Suits

Suspects

Faces you recognise… but can you trust their alibi?

Weapons

From candlesticks to daggers — hide them in plain sight.

Locations

Kitchen, study, garden… where will truth turn up?

Grab the quick‑start rules

A one‑page sheet to get you dealing in under two minutes. Perfect for conventions and game nights.

Download PDF Print‑friendly version

Playtest sign‑up

Want early access and a say in balance tweaks? Pop your email below — we’ll only write for meaningful updates.

Frequently asked

What player count is best?

It sings at 4–6, but still pops with 3 or scales to 8 for chaos‑mode.

How family‑friendly is it?

No gore. It’s all mystery vibes and bluffing. Ages 12+ recommended for reading and deduction.

Is there a print‑and‑play?

Coming soon for playtesters. Sign up above and we’ll send a home‑printable deck.

Can I stream it?

Absolutely. Tag it with #MurderLiesDeceit so we can find you.