Coup
Coup explained: influence, character claims, challenges, counters, coups and bluffing in the 2–6 player card game.
Each player begins with two hidden influence cards, but may claim any character action whether or not that character is actually in hand.
Other players can challenge a claim or counter certain actions. Lose both influence cards and you are eliminated; be the last player with influence to win.
Why We Love It
Coup compresses bluffing into a very small ruleset. Every claim creates a decision for the table: accept it, challenge it or counter it—and all three choices reveal information.
About Coup
Each player begins with two hidden influence cards, but may claim any character action whether or not that character is actually in hand.
Other players can challenge a claim or counter certain actions. Lose both influence cards and you are eliminated; be the last player with influence to win.
Game at a Glance
Claim a Character
Take an action by declaring the matching role.
Challenge Claims
Force a player to prove the claimed character.
Counter Actions
Some roles can block attacks or income theft.
Remove Influence
Lose both face-down cards and you are out.
Who Coup suits
Groups that want a fast bluffing game where reading confidence, memory and risk matters more than building a long engine.
Rules overview
On your turn, take a general action or claim a character action. Other players may challenge eligible claims, and some targeted actions can be countered by another claimed role. A successful challenge costs the bluffer an influence; a failed challenge costs the challenger one. A Coup cannot be blocked.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Bluff selectively. A claim is safer when the matching cards are still plausibly hidden, but repeated use also makes your story easier to test. Track revealed influence cards and remember which players have already established believable claims.
Common questions
Do I need the character I claim?
Not unless someone challenges you. Bluffing is legal.
Can a Coup be blocked?
No. Paying for a Coup forces the target to lose an influence.
What happens after a successful defense against a challenge?
The challenger loses an influence; the successfully revealed character is typically replaced according to the rules.
Related games
Learn Coup in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 16, 2026. Strategy sections are editorial analysis based on the identified rules rather than measured win-rate claims.