How I Navigated the Hilarious World of Meme Cards and Created Game Nights My Friends Can’t Stop Talking About

As someone who’s hosted more game nights than I can count, I’ve developed what my friends call an “unhealthy obsession” with What Do You Meme. But let me tell you something—there’s nothing unhealthy about collecting cards that make people laugh until they cry. The first time I brought out this game at a party, I knew I had struck gold. That moment when someone plays the perfect caption to a ridiculous image? Pure magic.

If you’re new to the What Do You Meme universe or looking to expand your collection, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent years (and more money than I’d like to admit) building my collection, and I’ve learned a thing or two about which expansions are worth your hard-earned cash, which ones might leave you disappointed, and how to curate the perfect deck for any crowd.

What Exactly Is What Do You Meme?

Before diving into the specifics, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. What Do You Meme is a party card game created in 2016 that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The basic premise is simple: players match caption cards with photo cards (usually popular memes) to create the funniest combinations. A rotating judge selects their favorite match each round, and that player receives a point.

The game is essentially Cards Against Humanity meets internet culture—and if you’re looking to become the undisputed champion of game night, understanding the nuances of your What Do You Meme collection is absolutely essential.

The Core Set: Where Everyone Should Begin

The Core Game is your foundation. Don’t even think about expansions until you’ve played at least 5-10 games with the original set. The base game typically includes:

• 435 cards (360 caption cards and 75 photo cards)
• An easel to display the photo cards
• Rules and instructions

When I first purchased the Core Set, I was impressed by the quality. The cards are thick, glossy, and durable—which is important when you’re playing with friends who’ve had a few drinks. The photo cards feature some of the most iconic memes from internet culture, from Distracted Boyfriend to Crying Michael Jordan.

The caption cards range from mildly amusing to “I-can’t-breathe” hilarious, and while some are definitely NSFW, that’s part of the charm. My first game night with this set lasted until 3 AM because nobody wanted to stop playing.

What makes the Core Set so special is its versatility. You can play it with your college friends, your slightly edgy relatives, or even your cool coworkers (depending on your workplace culture, of course). It’s the perfect introduction to the game and will give you a feel for what types of expansions might appeal to your regular group.

Knowing Your Audience: The Key to Expansion Success

Here’s something I learned the hard way: not all expansions work for all groups. I once brought the NSFW expansion to a family gathering (don’t ask), and let’s just say my aunt hasn’t looked at me the same way since.

Before purchasing any expansion, consider:

1. Who do you typically play with?
2. What’s their sense of humor like?
3. Do they keep up with current memes and internet culture?
4. How comfortable are they with explicit or edgy content?

I’ve found it helpful to categorize my expansions based on the audience:

• Safe for (Most) Family: Core Game (selectively), Fresh Memes Expansion
• Friend Group Standards: Core Game, Basic Bitch Expansion, Stoner Expansion
• Adult Nights Only: NSFW Expansion, Party Game Expansion
• Themed Gatherings: TV Pack, Movie Pack, specific holiday expansions

Having these categories helps me quickly grab the right cards when different groups come over. I keep them in separate boxes labeled with these categories—a simple organization hack that has saved me from many awkward moments.

The Must-Have Expansions (According to My Play Testing)

After years of collecting and countless game nights, I’ve identified what I consider the essential expansions that dramatically improve gameplay. These are the ones that consistently get the biggest laughs and keep the game feeling fresh.

1. Fresh Memes Expansion

The internet moves fast, and memes become dated quickly. The Fresh Memes expansion is designed to keep your collection current, and it’s one I recommend purchasing every year or so.

What I love about this expansion is how it breathes new life into the game. When you’ve played the Core Set multiple times, seeing fresh content makes everyone excited again. The first time I broke out the Fresh Memes expansion with my regular group, the energy in the room noticeably changed—everyone was leaning forward, eager to see what new memes were included.

The expansion typically includes 300 new caption cards and 35 new photo cards. I’ve found that mixing about 50% Fresh Memes with 50% Core Set creates the perfect balance of familiar favorites and exciting new content.

2. NSFW Expansion

If your play group consists of adults with a more risqué sense of humor, the NSFW expansion is non-negotiable. This expansion takes the game to another level of hilarity—but fair warning, it’s definitely not for everyone.

The first time I introduced this expansion to my close friends, we laughed so hard someone actually fell out of their chair. The captions range from mildly suggestive to explicitly vulgar, and when paired with the right photo card, the combinations can be comedy gold.

What makes this expansion special is how it breaks down social barriers. I’ve noticed that even my more reserved friends tend to open up and get competitive when playing with these cards. There’s something about the shared experience of inappropriate humor that brings people together.

The NSFW expansion includes 360 new caption cards and 75 new photo cards. I recommend mixing it with the Core Set at about a 30% NSFW to 70% Core ratio to start, adjusting based on your group’s comfort level.

3. Party Game Expansion

The Party Game expansion adds a new dimension to gameplay by incorporating challenges and actions into the mix. This expansion is perfect for groups that enjoy more interactive games and want to take the fun beyond just matching cards.

What I appreciate most about this expansion is how it keeps the energy high throughout the night. When regular gameplay starts to feel repetitive, throwing in a few challenge cards instantly revitalizes the experience.

The expansion includes 240 new caption cards and 30 new photo cards, along with 15 challenge cards. These challenges might ask players to act out memes, create their own captions, or perform other entertaining tasks.

I’ve found this expansion particularly effective when playing with new groups or at larger gatherings where people might not know each other well. The challenges break the ice and create memorable moments beyond the card game itself.

Specialty Expansions: When to Invest

Beyond the essential expansions, What Do You Meme offers a variety of specialty packs designed around specific themes or interests. These can be hit or miss depending on your group, so I’ll break down which ones I’ve found worth the investment.

TV and Movie Packs

If your friend group regularly quotes certain shows or films, these themed packs can be absolute gold. I purchased the Friends pack for my group that watches reruns religiously, and it was an instant hit. The references are specific enough to be satisfying for fans while remaining accessible enough for casual viewers.

What makes these packs special is how they tap into shared cultural references. When someone plays a caption that perfectly matches a scene everyone knows, it creates a moment of collective appreciation that goes beyond regular gameplay.

These packs typically include 50-75 caption cards and 20-30 photo cards specific to the show or film. They work best when mixed with the Core Set at about 25% themed cards to 75% Core Set.

Shows and movies that currently have dedicated expansions include:

• Friends
• The Office
• Game of Thrones
• Marvel
• Harry Potter (Unofficial)
• Star Wars

Holiday Expansions

The holiday expansions add a seasonal twist to the game and are perfect for gathering around specific times of the year. I’ve collected the Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day expansions over the years, and they’ve become tradition at our seasonal get-togethers.

What I appreciate about these expansions is how they create a festive atmosphere while maintaining the game’s irreverent humor. The Halloween expansion, for instance, features spooky memes and horror-themed captions that add an extra layer of fun to October game nights.

These expansions typically include 50-75 caption cards and 15-25 photo cards. I recommend using them as a standalone game during their respective seasons rather than mixing them with other sets, as the themed content works best when it’s concentrated.

Niche Interest Expansions

What Do You Meme has ventured into increasingly specific interest areas with expansions centered around:

• Stoner Pack
• Basic Bitch Pack
• Dad Pack
• College Pack
• Pet Pack

These can be fantastic additions if they align with your friend group’s identity or interests. The Stoner Pack, for example, has been a massive hit with certain friends who appreciate the cannabis-themed humor, while the Dad Pack consistently cracks up the fathers in our social circle.

What makes these packs worthwhile is how they validate and celebrate specific identities or interests within your friend group. When someone feels seen by a particularly relevant caption, it adds a personal dimension to the game that enhances everyone’s enjoyment.

These packs typically include 50-75 caption cards and 15-25 photo cards. I’ve found they work best when mixed with the Core Set at about 30% themed cards to 70% Core Set, ensuring the specific humor doesn’t become overwhelming.

The Expansions You Can Skip (Controversial Opinion)

Not all expansions are created equal, and after spending more money than I care to admit on this game, I’ve identified a few that you can probably pass on—unless they perfectly align with your group’s interests.

TikTok Expansion

While TikTok is undeniably popular, I found this expansion suffered from two major issues. First, TikTok trends evolve so quickly that many references felt outdated almost immediately after purchase. Second, the humor often relied heavily on visual or audio elements that don’t translate well to a card game format.

My group played with this expansion twice before relegating it to the back of the closet. Unless your friends are diehard TikTok enthusiasts who stay on top of every trend, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

The international editions (if you’re not familiar with the culture)

What Do You Meme has released international editions for various countries, including UK, Australian, and Canadian versions. While these might seem like interesting additions to diversify your collection, I’ve found they often rely on cultural references or slang that doesn’t resonate if you’re not from that region.

I purchased the UK edition during a trip to London, excited to bring it home to my American friends. While some cards translated well, many jokes fell flat because we lacked the cultural context to fully appreciate them. These editions are best for people who have lived in or are very familiar with the respective countries.

Overly specific celebrity packs

Some of the celebrity-focused packs (like the Kim Kardashian pack) have limited appeal unless your entire group follows that particular celebrity closely. I’ve found these packs tend to be one-note, with the humor becoming repetitive after a few rounds.

Instead of investing in these hyper-focused packs, I’d recommend sticking with the more general expansions that draw from broader meme culture. They’ll have more staying power and appeal to a wider range of players.

How to Curate the Perfect Deck for Any Group

One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is the ability to curate custom decks for specific groups. Here’s my method:

1. Create a base deck: Start with about 200 caption cards and 50 photo cards from the Core Set that work well with most groups.
2. Add group-specific cards: Based on who’s coming, add 50-100 caption cards and 25-30 photo cards from expansions that match their interests and humor style.
3. Remove potentially problematic cards: Before each game night, quickly flip through and remove any cards that might be particularly offensive or uncomfortable for that specific group.
4. Refresh regularly: After about 3-4 game sessions with the same group, swap out about 25% of the cards to keep things fresh.

I keep a small notebook where I track which card combinations got the biggest laughs with different groups, which helps me refine my deck curation over time. It might sound excessive, but the perfect What Do You Meme deck is the difference between a good game night and a legendary one that people talk about for months.

Storage and Organization Solutions

As your collection grows, storage becomes a real concern. After trying various methods, here’s what works best:

Option 1: The Binder System

I use a three-ring binder with trading card pages (the kind with 9 pockets per page) for my caption cards. This makes it easy to flip through and select cards for custom decks. I organize them by:

• Core Set cards
• Expansion-specific sections
• “Hall of Fame” section for cards that consistently get big laughs

For photo cards, I use a separate smaller binder with larger pockets. This system makes curating custom decks incredibly efficient.

Option 2: The Box Divider Method

If binders aren’t your style, invest in a large card box with dividers. Label each divider according to:

• Expansion name
• Content category (family-friendly, adult, themed, etc.)
• Frequency of use (favorites, occasionally used, rarely used)

I’ve found that clear plastic photo storage boxes work perfectly for this purpose—they’re the right size and usually come with dividers.

Option 3: The Dedicated Game Cabinet

For those fully committed to the What Do You Meme lifestyle, a dedicated cabinet or drawer system allows you to keep expansions in their original boxes while maintaining easy access. I use a small IKEA drawer unit with labels on each drawer indicating which expansions are inside.

Whichever system you choose, consistent organization will save you precious time when setting up for game night and help preserve your cards’ longevity.

Where to Purchase: Getting the Best Deals

Over the years, I’ve identified the best places to buy What Do You Meme products at reasonable prices:

1. Direct from the Official Website

The What Do You Meme website frequently offers bundle deals and exclusive expansions you can’t find elsewhere. They also run holiday sales that can save you 20-30% on larger purchases. I’ve signed up for their email list to get notified about these sales and have saved hundreds of dollars as a result.

2. Target and Walmart

Both of these retailers regularly discount What Do You Meme products, especially after holidays or when new expansions are released. I’ve found Core Sets for as low as $19.99 (regular $29.99) and expansions for $12.99 (regular $19.99) during these sales.

3. Amazon

While Amazon prices are typically comparable to retail, they offer the advantage of quick shipping and often have exclusive bundle deals. I use CamelCamelCamel (a price tracking website) to monitor Amazon prices and purchase when they drop.

4. Local Game Stores

Supporting local game stores might cost a few dollars more, but they often provide value in other ways—like letting you preview expansions before buying or hosting game nights where you can try before you buy. My local store offers a 10% discount when purchasing multiple items, which helps offset the slightly higher base price.

5. Second-hand Markets

For discontinued or hard-to-find expansions, check Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Reddit communities. I’ve completed my collection of some limited-edition expansions this way, though be careful to verify the condition and completeness of the sets before purchasing.

Maintaining Your Collection: Longevity Tips

Card games take a beating during regular use, but with proper care, your What Do You Meme collection can last for years. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Sleeve your cards

Card sleeves are a game-changer. After watching my original Core Set become worn and easily identifiable after just a few months of play, I invested in clear sleeves for all my cards. Standard trading card sleeves fit perfectly, and while it’s an initial investment, it dramatically extends your cards’ lifespan.

2. Establish table rules

I’ve instituted some basic rules at my game nights to protect the cards:

• No drinks directly on the playing surface
• Hand washing before gameplay (especially after eating)
• No excessive bending or flicking of cards
• Gentle shuffling techniques

These simple guidelines have prevented countless spills and premature card wear.

3. Regular cleaning

About once every three months, I take the time to:

• Wipe down all cards with a slightly damp, clean cloth
• Check for any damaged cards that need replacement
• Clean the storage containers and boxes
• Reorganize based on recent gameplay patterns

This maintenance routine keeps everything in top condition and gives me a chance to rediscover forgotten cards.

4. Replacement strategy

Despite your best efforts, cards will eventually show wear. I’ve developed a system where I mark cards that are beginning to show significant wear with a tiny dot on the sleeve. When I have 20-30 marked cards, I’ll order replacements or a new Core Set during a sale, ensuring my collection always looks fresh for new players.

Creating Custom Cards: Taking Your Game to the Next Level

After you’ve exhausted the commercial options, creating custom cards is the ultimate way to personalize your experience. Here’s my process:

For Photo Cards:

1. Select images that resonate with your group – inside jokes, group photos (with everyone’s permission), or local memes work best.
2. Maintain consistent sizing – I’ve found that standard photo cards are 2.5″ x 3.5″. Print your custom images at this exact size on cardstock or photo paper.
3. Match the quality – Printing on 110lb cardstock and laminating provides a similar feel to the official cards. Alternatively, printing on photo paper and sleeving the cards works well too.

For Caption Cards:

1. Study the game’s style – Before creating your own, analyze the tone and structure of existing captions to maintain consistency.
2. Personalize without alienating – Inside jokes are great, but make sure they’re accessible enough that new players won’t feel left out.
3. Test before committing – I write potential captions on index cards and test them during gameplay before creating the final versions.

I’ve created about 50 custom cards specific to my friend group, and they’ve become the most anticipated cards during our game nights. There’s nothing quite like the moment when someone realizes a card was created specifically with them in mind.

The Psychology of Winning: Strategy Tips

While What Do You Meme is primarily a game of humor and chance, there are subtle strategies that can improve your win rate:

1. Know your judge

Pay attention to each judge’s sense of humor and preferences. Some judges prefer clever wordplay, while others go for the most outrageous combinations. Tailoring your selections to the current judge dramatically increases your chances of winning.

2. Build on existing dynamics

If the group has been laughing about a particular topic all night, captions that reference that theme tend to perform well. I’ve won several rounds by playing cards that connected to ongoing conversations rather than playing what might objectively be the “funniest” card.

3. The unexpected connection

Sometimes the most powerful combinations aren’t the most obvious ones. While crude humor often gets immediate laughs, I’ve found that subtle, unexpected connections between the photo and caption can win over judges who appreciate more sophisticated humor.

4. Timing matters

Save your strongest cards for rounds when you really want to win. If you notice a photo card that perfectly matches one of your captions, that’s the time to play it—rather than wasting it on a mediocre match earlier.

Remember that the ultimate goal is creating an enjoyable experience for everyone. I’ve had game nights where I didn’t win a single round but laughed more than anyone else—and those are often the most memorable nights.

Conclusion: The Joy of Building Your Collection

What started as a simple party game purchase has evolved into one of my most treasured collections. Each expansion, each carefully curated deck, and each game night has added to the tapestry of memories and inside jokes that define my friend group.

The beauty of What Do You Meme lies in its ability to evolve alongside your social circle. As friends come and go, as interests change, and as internet culture shifts, your collection can adapt to reflect these changes.

So whether you’re just starting with the Core Set or you’re a seasoned collector looking to optimize your already extensive library, remember that the true value of your What Do You Meme collection isn’t measured in the number of cards you own, but in the number of genuine moments of connection and laughter it creates.

Start small, expand thoughtfully, and before long, you’ll find yourself—like me—eagerly anticipating each new release and planning your next legendary game night. Happy collecting!