Coup Challenge & Block Rules: Influence Loss and Elimination
Challenges and blocks are separate steps in Coup. An action may be challenged, then—if it survives—an eligible target may sometimes block it, and that block can be challenged too.
Successful truthful claim
If challenged and you reveal the exact claimed character, the challenger loses one Influence. Shuffle your revealed proof card back into the Court deck and draw a replacement, leaving you with the same number of hidden Influence cards as before.
Failed claim
If you cannot prove the challenged character, you lose one Influence. The challenged character action or block does not succeed.
Foreign Aid block
A Duke claim can block Foreign Aid. Because the block is a claim, the player attempting Foreign Aid or another eligible player may challenge it.
Assassination block
Contessa blocks an Assassin claim. This creates a dangerous two-step bluff: if a player falsely claims Contessa and loses the challenge, they may then still lose another Influence to the successful assassination, potentially eliminating a two-Influence player.
Steal blocks
A Captain or Ambassador claim can block a Captain’s steal under the base rules. The block may be challenged normally.
Coup cannot be blocked
Paying 7 coins for a Coup automatically makes the chosen target lose one Influence. No character claim can stop it.
Last surviving Influence wins
A player with both Influence cards face up is eliminated. The last player with hidden Influence wins.