Wits and Wagers

By: NorthStar Game Studio   Players: 3-7     Ages: 10+     Time: 25 mins

Do you know the answer to questions like “What year did the bikini swimsuit make it’s first appearance?” and “How many feet wide is an NFL football field?”

Make your best guess but don’t worry if you don’t know the answer! It’s all about guessing correctly who does!

Players do their best to answer trivia-based questions with numerical answers and wrack up the most points after seven rounds.

The first edition of Wits & Wagers Board Game was released in 2005. Since then, the game has seen several changes in its rule set, enhancing the gameplay experience.

What Is Wits & Wagers, the Award Winning Party Game?

Wits & Wagers was designed by Dominic Crapuchettes and Nate Heasley and was published by NorthStar Games in 2005. Since it’s release it has gone on to receive over twenty awards, including the Mensa Select award, the Board Game Geek 2007 Party Game of the Yes, and GAMES Magazines’ award for Party Game of the Year in 2007 too. It’s been translated into many different languages and even saw a video game release in 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade. 

Wits & Wagers is a trivia-based party game for at least three people. Played over seven rounds, each round a trivia question is asked and each player gives a numerical answer. Players write their answer down, place them on the betting mat, and then bet on the answer they think is the closest to the actual answer without going over it. Players will receive points in the form of betting chips for guessing correctly and the higher the odds on the board the bigger the reward. 

Game Set-Up with Poker Chips

The game can be played with players acting as individuals or part of a team. Each player/team receives a dry erase pen, an answer card, and two betting chips matching the answer card’s colour. Team names should also be written at the top of the answer card (the wittier the better), and two players are nominated: one as the banker and one as the question reader. The banker holds onto the poker chips and the question reader randomly selects seven question cards from the supply of cards to be used in the game.

In the second edition of Wits & Wagers, players start with two betting chips, and there are adjustments to betting options and chip values, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

How To Play Wits & Wagers Board Game

At the start of the round, the question reader reads aloud the first question. Players then have thirty seconds to write a guess on their answer card. Even if they don’t know the answer, players should at least guess as every answer is a numerical value and as long as their guess doesn’t go over they could still win. Some questions also require the answer to a decimal value rather than just a whole number!

Once the thirty seconds is up, answer cards are placed face up on the betting mat. The betting mat has an odds value, that dictates how likely it is the answer is correct, and how much of a pay off the player will receive for betting on that answer. Answers are then arranged from smallest to largest guess as directed by the arrows on the mat. If an odd number of guesses are made the centre space is covered, otherwise it remains free with an even number of guesses. Duplicate guesses of the same value are placed on the same space.

After the guesses are laid out, players then have another thirty seconds to place their betting chip by the answer they think is closest to the right answer, without going over. Both chips can be used on the same or separate payout slots, players don’t have to bet on their own guess, and if in doubt, they can use the “all guesses are too high” slot. Players can change their mind during the thirty seconds and move their chips around, but after the timer has run out their guesses are locked in.

After the answer is revealed, the player who answered correctly receives three red poker chips from the banker for guessing correctly. The banker gives each player who bet on the winning answer a relevant payout. Eg, if they bet one of their betting chips on the correct answer that was in the 3 to 1 slot, they receive three poker chips. If however, they placed both betting chips on 3 to 1, they receive six poker chips instead.

After the first question, play continues in a similar fashion for questions 2-7, but players are now allowed to use betting chips too when voting for their answer. Red poker chips are worth one point and blue poker chips are worth five points. These must always be placed underneath the betting chip so the banker knows who is betting on what, but there is no limit to how many poker chips can be plated. They can still make a maximum of two guesses with their betting chips, but players can use as many poker chips as they like to potentially increase their payout significantly.

Scoring works similarly for the subsequent questions after the first, the big difference however is the payout. Any correct guesses with poker chips attached to them will receive more of a payout, but any incorrect guesses will lose any poker chips placed there as they are returned to the banker.

At the end of seven questions whoever has scored the most points wins the game!

The game offers a really simple premise of, ask a question, place your answer, place your bet, then rinse and repeat after scoring, which makes for the perfect formula for a party game. Not being bogged down by too many rules and instead letting the interactions between players and the ensuing hilarity from everyones guesses take over. Wits and Wagers works on a few levels as it doesn’t just benefit those who know it all (or think they do) but rewards players for their ability to read people and react to the information presented to them, essentially giving them a second chance to not only score, but potentially score big, and more than the person who guessed correctly in the first place.

Players can take risks based on their self-assessment or intuition, feeling confident in their knowledge or judgment.

The game is a perfect trivia game for all types of players and all different ages. From it’s quick set-up, simple rules, and the opportunity for everyone to gain a few points by answering or guessing the correct answer correctly, it is a must-have for all homes. Especially if you’re playing with a large group of people.

Editions and Expansions

Wits & Wagers has undergone several transformations since its initial release, catering to a wide range of players and enhancing the overall gaming experience. The game has seen multiple editions and expansions, each adding unique elements to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

The Deluxe Edition of Wits & Wagers is a fan favorite, offering a premium experience with upgraded components. This edition includes a larger betting mat, higher quality poker chips, and a more extensive set of questions. The Deluxe Edition is perfect for those who want to elevate their game nights with a more polished and immersive version of the classic game.

For those looking to add a bit of glitz and glamour to their game nights, the Vegas Expansion is a must-have. This expansion introduces new betting options and higher stakes, bringing the excitement of a Las Vegas casino to your living room. With additional question cards and new ways to bet, the Vegas Expansion adds a thrilling twist to the original game, making it even more engaging and unpredictable.

Other editions, such as the Family Edition and the Party Edition, cater to different audiences, ensuring that there’s a version of Wits & Wagers for every group. The Family Edition features kid-friendly questions and simplified rules, making it accessible for younger players. Meanwhile, the Party Edition ramps up the fun with more outrageous questions and a faster pace, perfect for lively gatherings.

No matter which edition or expansion you choose, Wits & Wagers continues to be a modern classic that brings people together for a night of laughter, strategy, and friendly competition.

Summary

• Very quick set-up

• Super simple rules

• Lots of fun

• Great party game

• Full of interesting trivia questions. Wits & Wagers is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are a trivia buff or not.

Who Should Buy This Game?

We think you should buy this game if:

You like trivia games: Wits & Wagers contains hundreds of trivia questions, all with a numerical answer. It provides a unique opportunity to learn lots of interesting and random facts.

You like social and party games: Wits & Wagers encourages social interaction and isn’t a game that takes itself very seriously. If this is up your alley, this is a game for you.

You enjoy gambling (legally): We would never encourage gambling, but the core mechanic of the game is just that, so if you do enjoy placing bets this is a fun and legal way to do so.

You know lots of people: Wits & Wagers is best experienced in a large group, so the more people you know that can get involved, the better.

You might not like this game if:

You don’t have many friends: Unfortunately, there is no single or two player version of the game, so if you aren’t able to gather a decent sized group of players you may not be playing this one very often.

You’re morally against gambling:  The game places a large emphasis on making bets, so even though this is a fun and safe environment to do it in, if gambling isn’t your thing then this game might not be for you.

You don’t enjoy trivia games: This game focuses just as much on your ability to read people as it does your general knowledge, but if you want a game that’s more than just answering questions the this might not be the best game for you.

Also Read: Elevate Your Party: The 8 Best Party Games for Unforgettable Nights

Final Verdict

Wits & Wagers is a really fun and enjoyable game. With it’s quick set-up and extremely simple rules and mechanics, it’s a game that anyone can learn to play. You don’t even need to know a lot to succeed at the game either, winning is based just as much on how much you know as your ability to read people and how much you know them. The outcome of the game can hinge on the final question, emphasizing the importance of betting strategies in the concluding moments of the game. Although it does rely on gathering a group of at least 3-4 players to enjoy the game properly, it’s a great experience and a game that’s well worth your time.

FAQ About Wits & Wagers