Why You Should Be Playing Munchkin

If your definition of a card game begins with poker and ends with the stuff you see in the toy aisle at Walmart, then I feel bad for you, because you’ve probably never played Munchkin. It’s a great game, and this is why you should start playing. 

The first thing you need to know is that Munchkin is FUN. The object of the game is to take your character from level one to level ten by winning battles against monster cards drawn on your turn.  This is no tedious exercise in taking turns around the table, though.  The rules of Munchkin afford players plenty of opportunities to interact (read: screw) with each other.  If a player is facing a particularly tough monster,  there is usually some fierce negotiation as the assistance of other players is bargained for.  However, don’t expect help if you’re getting close to winning.

As the group gets ever closer to level ten, the game becomes incredibly dangerous for players in the lead.   The Munchkin deck is stacked with ways to screw over the competition, and this prolongs the fun by keeping everyone in the game.  I can’t remember the last time I played a game of Munchkin where one player ran away to an uncontested victory.

The next thing you need to know about Munchkin is that it is HILARIOUS.  The goal of each and every card is to make you laugh, and by being filled with puns and jabs at the subject matter, Munchkin almost always succeeds. The standard edition of Munchkin is a parody of Dungeons & Dragons type role playing games, and lampoons all of the standard fantasy cliches.  Take a look at some of the cards to see for yourself :

Elves and Dwarves not your speed?  Munchkin has  a whopping EIGHT OTHER VARIETIES, one of which is sure to be a fit for you:

• Star Munchkin (sci-fi)
• Munchkin Fu (martial arts)
• Munchkin Bites (horror)
• Super Munchkin (superheroes)
• Munchkin Impossible (spy movies)
• Munchkin Cthulhu (HP Lovecraft)
• The Good, the Bad, and the Munchkin (westerns)
• Munchkin Booty (pirates)

Originally published in 2001, Munchkin has risen above the competition to become a card game juggernaut, spawning countless add-ons and expansions to each of these base games.

The final thing you need to know about Munchkin is that it is EASY TO LEARN.  As I mentioned earlier, you go up a level by defeating monster cards.  Here is how easy it is to resolve combat:  compare the level number printed on the monster card to your level.  Now add all of the little +2, +3, etc. bonuses  for cards you may have played on the table such as boots, armor, or weapons.  The one with the higher number wins.

Personally, I enjoy nothing more than a good card game or board game.  However, you need players in order to play!  Having easy to learn rules, enjoyable game mechanics, and an infusion of humor helps draw players in.  My wife would rather jump off of a bridge than join  a 5-hour Axis & Allies game with the guys, but she’ll fight for a spot at the table if Munchkin is being played.  That to me says a lot.

So you are ready to try Munchkin now?  Here are my recommendations:

• Munchkin (19th printing):  Just released in May, this new printing comes with clarified rules, updated card text, and a full-color print job.  It also includes a custom Munchkin die.  The release of this printing is a great new reason to become a Munchkin player!
• Super Munchkin: I find this version of Munchkin brings the funny particularly well to a diverse audience.  When you can’t expect everyone in the room to get a Dungeons & Dragons or Star Trek gag, you can always rely on a Batman joke.

Munchkin is available online direct from Steve Jackson Games at their Warehouse 23 store, at most Barnes & Noble locations, and of course, at your fine local game store.