BANG!
- Designer Emiliano Sciarra
- Publisher DV Games , ABACUSSPIELE , Albi , asmodee , Bard Centrum Gier
- Illustration Stefano de Fazi , Alessandro Pierangelini
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In BANG!, players assume secret roles such as Sheriff, Outlaw, Deputy, or Renegade in a wild west shootout. Using cards with hand management, players shoot, defend, and use special abilities based on their character. Social deduction and bluffing are key since only the Sheriff is publicly known. The game involves player elimination and hot potato mechanics, creating tense and interactive gameplay.
Who Is This Game For?
BANG! is suited for experienced players who enjoy social deduction and card games. With a 40-minute playtime, it fits short to medium-length sessions. Suitable for ages 8 and up, it requires no deep prior experience but demands attention to hidden roles and player interaction. It is not a casual family game but rather for groups comfortable with bluff and deduction.
How It Works
Players receive a secret role and a character card with special abilities. Using hand management, they play cards to attack others, defend, or activate effects. Hidden roles and player elimination define the gameplay flow, while hot potato mechanics pressure players to manage risky cards carefully. Victory depends on fulfilling role-specific objectives or being the last standing.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Emiliano Sciarra, BANG! won the 2003 Origins Awards for Best Card Game Design and Best Traditional Card Game. It combines social deduction with card game mechanics in a western theme. The mix of hidden roles, hand management, and player elimination sets it apart from other deduction games.
Awards
2002
2002
- 2004 Hra roku — Nominated
- 2003 Origins Awards Best Card Game Design — Winner
- 2003 Origins Awards Best Traditional Card Game — Winner
- 2002 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combines Hidden Roles with Hand Management
- Short playtime around 40 minutes
- Origins Award winner 2003 for Best Card Game Design
- Strong social interaction and bluff elements
Contra
- Requires patience and attention to hidden roles
- Player elimination can cause downtime
- Not ideal for young children despite age 8+
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Wild West, players take on roles such as lawmen, outlaws, and renegades in a classic western shootout environment. The theme centers on gunfights, secret identities, and survival in a rugged frontier town.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on understanding your secret role and observe other players carefully to deduce their identities.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, BANG! is designed for 4 to 7 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 40 minutes, suitable for short to medium gaming sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
BANG! is a medium-weight game requiring social deduction skills but no deep prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
BANG! uniquely blends Hidden Roles with card game mechanics and player elimination.
Is this suitable for families?
While suitable from age 8, it is better suited for experienced players than casual family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Hidden Roles, Hand Management, and Player Elimination defines its gameplay.
Fazit
BANG! is recommended for groups who enjoy social interaction and deduction. Patience with bluffing and timing is essential for success.
