My Hilarious Journey into the World of Meme-Based Card Games

When I first stumbled upon “What Do You Meme?” at my friend’s game night last year, I had no idea it would quickly become my go-to party game. After countless rounds, uncontrollable laughter, and introducing it to practically everyone I know, I’ve become something of an unofficial expert. Whether you’re completely new to the game or considering adding it to your collection, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your purchase.

Let me take you through the ins and outs of What Do You Meme?, share my personal experiences, and help you decide if this internet culture-inspired card game deserves a spot on your shelf.

What Exactly Is “What Do You Meme?”

At its core, “What Do You Meme?” is a card game that cleverly combines popular internet memes with caption cards to create hilarious combinations. Think of it as Cards Against Humanity, but with visual elements that tap into the shared language of internet culture. Created in 2016 by Elliot Tebele (founder of the popular @FuckJerry Instagram account), Ben Kaplan, and Elie Ballas, the game quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

The premise is simple yet brilliantly effective: players match caption cards from their hands with the photo card in play, competing to create the funniest combination as judged by that round’s rotating “judge.” The game successfully bridges the gap between our online and offline social experiences, bringing the humor of the internet to your dining room table.

What’s In The Box: Components Breakdown

When you purchase the core “What Do You Meme?” game, here’s what you can expect to find inside:

1. 435 Cards Total:
   • 360 Caption Cards (featuring witty, sometimes risqué text)
   • 75 Photo Cards (featuring popular internet memes)
2. An easel to display the current photo card
3. Detailed instruction booklet

The physical quality of the components is impressive. The cards have a nice weight and finish that makes them satisfying to handle and durable enough to withstand multiple game nights. The photos are printed with excellent clarity, ensuring all the subtle facial expressions that make memes so funny are clearly visible.

One thing I particularly appreciate is the easel included for displaying the photo cards. It’s a small touch, but it makes the game feel more like a proper party experience rather than just another card game.

The Official Rules: How To Play What Do You Meme?

After hosting countless game nights, I’ve found that understanding the rules thoroughly before playing makes for a much smoother experience. Here’s my breakdown of the official rules:

Setup

1. Designate the first judge (the rules suggest the player who most recently used social media, but my friends and I usually pick randomly or let the birthday person go first if we’re celebrating).
2. Deal seven caption cards to each player.
3. Place the easel in the center of the play area where everyone can see it.
4. The judge selects a photo card from the deck and places it on the easel.

Gameplay

1. All players except the judge select the caption card from their hand that they think pairs best (or most humorously) with the displayed photo card.
2. Players submit their chosen cards face-down to the judge.
3. The judge shuffles all submitted caption cards to ensure anonymity.
4. The judge reveals each caption by placing it under the photo card and reading it aloud (this is where the magic happens—some of the combinations will have everyone in stitches).
5. The judge selects a winner based on which combination they found funniest. This is entirely subjective, which is part of the fun!
6. The player whose card was selected wins that round and keeps the photo card as a point.
7. A new round begins with the next player clockwise becoming the judge. Everyone draws back up to seven caption cards.
8. The game continues until someone collects a predetermined number of photo cards (typically 5-7, depending on how long you want to play) or until you run out of cards.

House Rules and Variations

While the official rules provide a great foundation, part of the fun of “What Do You Meme?” is adapting it to your group. Here are some popular house rules that have enhanced our game nights:

• Caption Swap: Once per game, players can discard their entire hand and draw seven new caption cards.
• Ghost Player: Draw an extra card each round that no player submitted, adding an element of chance.
• Veto Power: Allow players to collectively veto a judge’s decision if they all disagree (use sparingly to avoid chaos!).
• Theme Rounds: The judge announces a theme for the round, and players must interpret their cards within that theme.
• Extended Play: For larger groups, you can increase the hand size to 8-10 cards to give players more options.

Is This Game Right For Your Group?

Before you click “add to cart,” let’s consider whether “What Do You Meme?” is the right fit for your social circle. This game definitely isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.

Ideal For:

• Internet-savvy players who understand and appreciate meme culture
• Adult friend groups looking for humorous, sometimes edgy entertainment
• Party settings where people are comfortable with irreverent humor
• Ages 17+ (officially, though I’d say it depends on the maturity of the group)
• Groups of 3-20 players (though 4-8 seems to be the sweet spot)

Maybe Not For:

• Family gatherings with young children (there is a family edition available separately)
• People unfamiliar with internet culture who might miss many of the references
• Very conservative groups who might find some of the content inappropriate
• Serious game enthusiasts looking for strategic depth or complex mechanics

Core Game vs. Expansions: What Should You Buy First?

The “What Do You Meme?” universe has expanded significantly since its launch. Here’s my take on what to prioritize:

Start With The Core Game

The original base game provides the essential experience and enough content to keep you entertained for multiple game sessions. With 360 caption cards and 75 photo cards, there’s plenty of variety before you need to consider expansions.

What I love about the core game: It includes the most iconic, recognizable memes that even casual internet users will understand. The caption cards range from mildly amusing to absolutely hilarious, with a good mix of clean and adult humor.

Expansions Worth Considering

Once you’ve played the base game a few times and want to inject fresh content, here are the expansions I’ve found most worthwhile:

1. Fresh Memes Expansion Pack: Adds 240 new caption cards and 30 new photo cards featuring newer memes. This is my top recommendation for a first expansion.
2. Basic Bitch Expansion Pack: Focused on stereotypical “basic” culture with 240 caption cards and 30 photo cards. This resonates especially well with millennial players.
3. Stoner Expansion Pack: Themed around cannabis culture with 75 cards. Only worthwhile if this type of humor appeals to your group.
4. NSFW Edition: Takes the adult humor to another level. I recommend this only for groups who found the base game too tame.

My advice: Start with just the core game. See how your group responds before investing in expansions. If it’s a hit and you start to notice the same combinations appearing too frequently, that’s the time to add an expansion.

Comparing What Do You Meme? to Similar Party Games

To help you decide if this is the right purchase for your game collection, let’s compare it to other popular party games:

Cards Against Humanity

Similarities:

• Card-matching gameplay
• Adult humor
• Subjective judging

Differences:

• What Do You Meme? incorporates visual elements
• More reliant on internet culture knowledge
• Generally feels more contemporary

Joking Hazard

Similarities:

• Visual component
• Creating funny combinations
• Adult humor

Differences:

• Joking Hazard focuses on creating comic strips
• What Do You Meme? leverages recognizable internet content
• Different aesthetic appeal

Meme Game (Generic Versions)

Similarities:

• Similar concept
• Lower price point sometimes

Differences:

• Original What Do You Meme? typically has better quality components
• Official game has more recognizable memes with proper licensing
• Better overall production value

Tips From My Experience: Getting the Most Out of Your Game

After countless game nights, I’ve gathered some insights that might help you maximize the fun:

1. Know your audience: I’ve learned to pre-filter some of the more risqué cards when playing with certain groups. The game is most fun when everyone feels comfortable.
2. Timing matters: Play this later in the evening when everyone’s relaxed. It seems to get funnier as the night progresses!
3. Encourage dramatic readings: The judge should read each caption with theatrical flair—it significantly enhances the humor.
4. Mix the decks thoroughly: Especially after a few plays, ensure you’re getting a good mix of cards.
5. Consider your lighting: Make sure there’s adequate lighting for everyone to see the photo cards clearly—the subtle expressions are half the fun.
6. Don’t rush judgment: Give the judge time to consider all combinations and react to each one.
7. Store it properly: Keep the cards in good condition by using the original box or investing in card storage solutions if you have multiple expansions.

The Evolution of Memes and Game Longevity

One legitimate concern about “What Do You Meme?” is whether it will stand the test of time as internet culture rapidly evolves. Some memes featured in the original game from 2016 might already feel dated to younger players in 2025.

However, I’ve found this adds a nostalgic element to the game rather than detracting from it. There’s something entertaining about revisiting “classic” memes like “Confused Math Lady” or “Distracted Boyfriend” that have achieved iconic status.

The developers have addressed this by regularly releasing expansions featuring newer meme content, ensuring the game stays relevant. If you’re concerned about longevity, the expansion packs are specifically designed to keep the game fresh and current.

Price Point Analysis: Is It Worth The Cost?

At its typical retail price of $29.99 for the base game (though you can often find it on sale for around $20-25), “What Do You Meme?” sits in the mid-range for party games. Is it worth the investment?

Value factors to consider:

1. Replayability: High, especially with different player combinations
2. Component quality: Above average with durable cards
3. Entertainment value: Excellent for the right group
4. Player count flexibility: Accommodates various group sizes
5. Expansion potential: Extensive options for extending longevity

In my experience, calculating the “cost per play” makes this game an excellent value. If you play it just 5-6 times with a group of friends, you’re already down to about $5 per game night—less than the cost of a movie ticket or a fancy coffee.

Where To Buy: Finding The Best Deal

You can find “What Do You Meme?” through various retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Here are some options to consider:

1. Major retailers: Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble regularly stock the game.
2. Game specialty stores: Often carry both the base game and expansions, sometimes with knowledgeable staff who can answer questions.
3. Direct from manufacturer: The official What Do You Meme website sometimes offers bundles or exclusive content.
4. Second-hand options: While you can find used copies on marketplace sites, I recommend buying new to ensure all cards are included and in good condition.

When comparing prices, be sure to factor in:

• Whether you’re getting the most current edition
• If any special offers include expansions
• Shipping costs for online purchases
• Return policies if the game doesn’t meet expectations

Common Questions About What Do You Meme?

Throughout my time introducing friends to this game, I’ve encountered several recurring questions. Here are answers to the most common ones:

Q: Is there a family-friendly version?
A: Yes, “What Do You Meme? Family Edition” is specifically designed for younger players (ages 8+) with appropriate content.

Q: How many people can play?
A: Officially 3-20 players, but the sweet spot is 4-8 for optimal engagement and pace.

Q: Do I need to be “up to date” on internet culture?
A: It helps, but many memes in the game have become so mainstream that basic familiarity with internet humor is sufficient.

Q: How long does a typical game last?
A: About 30-90 minutes, depending on player count and how much discussion happens between rounds.

Q: Can I mix different expansion packs?
A: Absolutely! Mixing expansions actually creates more unexpected combinations and extends replayability.

Q: Are there digital versions available?
A: Currently, the game is primarily physical, which is part of its charm as a social experience.

Q: Does it work well as a drinking game?
A: While not designed specifically as one, many groups incorporate drinking rules easily. Just play responsibly!

The Social Impact of Meme Games

What fascinates me about “What Do You Meme?” beyond the gameplay itself is how it reflects our changing social landscape. The game serves as a bridge between our digital and physical social lives, bringing internet humor into tangible form.

For many friend groups, including mine, references from memorable game nights have become inside jokes that extend well beyond the gaming table. There’s something uniquely bonding about shared laughter, especially when it connects to the wider cultural context of meme humor.

The game also provides interesting social insights—you quickly learn which friends share your sense of humor and which have surprising comedic tendencies that might not surface in regular conversation.

My Personal Verdict

After countless game nights, introducing dozens of friends to the game, and experiencing both hilarious highlights and occasional duds, here’s my honest assessment:

“What Do You Meme?” excels at what it sets out to do: create a social experience centered around shared internet culture and humor. It doesn’t try to be a strategic masterpiece or a deeply meaningful game—and that’s precisely why it works so well as a party game.

The greatest strength of What Do You Meme? is how it creates moments of pure, spontaneous laughter that bring people together. Some of my most memorable game night moments have come from unexpected card combinations that perfectly captured an inside joke or resonated with everyone at the table.

Is it perfect? No. Some rounds fall flat, certain memes age better than others, and like any subjectively-judged game, occasional disagreements about the “funniest” combination can arise. But these minor drawbacks pale in comparison to the sheer entertainment value it provides.

If you’re looking for a game that captures contemporary humor, breaks the ice at gatherings, and creates memorable moments, “What Do You Meme?” deserves a place in your game collection.

Final Thoughts: To Buy or Not To Buy?

After this deep dive into the world of “What Do You Meme?”, the question remains: should you purchase it?

If you regularly host game nights, enjoy internet humor, and are looking for something that can get a diverse group of adults laughing together, this game is a solid investment. Its accessibility, combined with its potential for genuinely hilarious moments, makes it a reliable addition to your entertainment arsenal.

For those on the fence, consider starting with just the base game. If it resonates with your group, you can always expand later with the numerous expansion packs available.

Remember that the best games are those that match your specific group’s preferences and sense of humor. “What Do You Meme?” won’t be for everyone, but for the right crowd, it consistently delivers laugh-out-loud moments that make for memorable gatherings.

Whether you’re a meme aficionado or simply looking for your next party game, I hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is creating opportunities to connect and laugh with the people in your life—something “What Do You Meme?” certainly facilitates.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a game night to prepare for, and this time, I’m determined to finally dethrone our reigning “What Do You Meme?” champion!