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Description
Cockroach Poker is a reverse set collection game that has nothing to do with poker – except that the game is all about bluffing, with cards that show cockroaches, rats and stink bugs. The goal is to force another player to collect 4 of any one type of critter.
The deck includes 64 cards, with eight copies of eight types of critters. To set up the game, shuffle the deck and deal the cards out to players.
On a turn, a player takes one card from their hand, lays it face down on the table, slides it to a player of their choice, and declares a type of critter, e.g., "Stink bug". The player receiving the card either
Accepts the card, says either "true" or "false", then reveals the card. If this player is wrong in their claim, they keep the card on the table in front of them face up; if they are right, the player who gave them the card places it face up before them.
Peeks at the card, then passes it face down to another player, either saying the original type of critter or saying a new type. This new player again has the choice of accepting the card or passing it, unless the card has already been seen by all other players in which case the player must take the first option.
Whoever lost a challenge and had to place the card before them on the table begins the next round.
The game ends when a player has no cards to pass on their turn or when a player has four cards of the same critter on the table in front of them. In either case, this player loses and everyone else wins.
Year Published
2004
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 22
This page: 22
Sentiment:
pos 22 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–22 of 22
Video 4njke9jUFMg
Quackalope top_10_list at 14:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12357 · mention_pk 36047
Click to watch at 14:33
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Renowned as a pinnacle party bluffing game
- Fast and highly social
Cons
- Bluffing performance depends on player comfort with deception
- Not ideal for players seeking heavy strategic depth
Thematic elements
- Bluffing and social deduction in a light, humorous frame
- Party/social bluffing atmosphere
- Social interaction-driven rather than story-centric
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / bluff-based play — Players bluff about which card they hold and try to mislead others.
- guessing / deduction — Players deduce information based on others’ reactions and stated cards.
- short, party-paced rounds — Fast rounds encouraging social interaction.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- none of these games are bad games
- this is an absolutely fantastic game
- this is a polyomino game
- cockroach poker is the best party game I have played
- this entire list is a bluff
- it's the best game that awakened realms has produced with the exception of iss Vanguard
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video okREwIZ5bg8
Adam Porter - Board Gaming Vlog top_10_list at 10:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11645 · mention_pk 34200
Click to watch at 10:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
highly_positive
Pros
- simple rule set
- so much fun
- teaches bluffing skills
- excellent for close groups
- ugly bug art style is appealing
- brilliant designer
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- bluffing
- deduction
- insects
Comparison games
- Cockroach Dance
- Cockroach Salad
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UIU74i2IfK4
Adam's Board Game Wales general_discussion at 9:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10636 · mention_pk 31367
Click to watch at 9:16
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Really like the production
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Bluffing game
- Abstract animals
- Thematic
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — Lying about cards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It wasn't just the hundred sort of best designed games this was the hundred games that I feel that I'm particularly sort of connected to
- The games that have a place in my heart really games that I've got a lot of nostalgia for
- It felt a bit like doing a roll and write game but without all of the sort of convenience
- I wish I still had castles of burgundy and notre dame
- The main thing that got in the way for me was all the iconography
- I do use board games as an escape from screens and technology
- I really like the production of cockroach poker
- I found it was a game where I could see the ending coming and then someone would just go and there we go we've got another 20 minutes now
- It feels like something other than a board game
- The decisions you make in the game are very very slight
- Right up my alley
- I do really like push your luck
- That's my favorite game
- Abyss is my second favorite game
- I love pekka pig
- I just think it's ugly
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XWrw6s-sCow
The Broken Meeple review at 15:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10002 · mention_pk 29461
Click to watch at 15:57
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- generates lots of laughs
- simple and quick to learn
- good player psychology
- compact box size
- still holds up well today
Cons
- some people detest it
- not everyone enjoys bluff games
Thematic elements
- bluffing
- deception
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's only a game
- you're listening to the broken meeple show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games
- I am very much a cold blooded I'm a cold blooded lizard I need cold
- the top 50 has finally finished finally it's done
- there is nothing apart from it being bright and sunny there is nothing about the summer that really gets me like you know excited or interested because it's just too hot
- I look at these top 50s uh they certainly increase a bit
- there's a lot of good feedback in terms of what's up next hard to say really
- I would give it at least a seven out of 10 right now and say it's good
- the Arkham Horror games are still pretty solid and you know they're fun to play but they are definitely getting to a point where I don't think I can uh like really say that they're practical
- my tastes were new at that point you know I respected terroriser for its thiness
- I have definitely developed to want more theme in my games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mVsrj_lOYIo
Actual Owl top_5_list at 14:18 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9168 · mention_pk 27031
Click to watch at 14:18
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly approachable; quick to pick up
- strong social interaction; great for drinking contexts
Cons
- humor can feel repetitive for some groups
- rule variations can confuse new players
Thematic elements
- ridiculous misrepresentation and social deduction
- bluffing with animal-themed cards
- playful, irreverent
Comparison games
- Skull
- Spicy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — Players bluff about the card they place and what it represents.
- verbal misdirection — Players must say the right thing to mislead others or reveal lies.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's meant to be you make a mistake and you drink, the game gets easier to make as you get more drunk
- the social lubricant—the game is happening and people can drop in and out
- this is the perfect opportunity to drink
- it's almost a definition of the tent—it's fun and chaotic in a good way
- Anomia is a lot like Jungle Speed in spirit
- the rules can be learned quickly, which is ideal for a festival tent
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hD49Iy9qfcM
Actual Ol Anjaan Purchase top_50_list at 8:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7654 · mention_pk 22651
Click to watch at 8:45
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- pure bluffing mechanic
- short and social
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- deception and bluffing
- Social bluffing with animal cards
- pure bluffing with minimal rules
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — players claim a card's identity and others guess truth vs lie
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- there are many different paths to happiness and nothing's necessarily the right or wrong answer
- the dice are weighted towards being negative
- this game tells a story unlike any other board game I've ever played
- you can't talk to each other during this game
- it's a simple clean auction game which you just come to expect from Ronnie comitia
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qaIfKsQWA5I
Going Analog general_discussion at 2:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7473 · mention_pk 22151
Click to watch at 2:54
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast-paced bluffing interactions
- clear party-game length
Cons
- can be chaotic or unclear for new players
Thematic elements
- deception and social manipulation among insects
- abstract/insect-themed bluffing
- n/a
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — players pass cards and bluff about identities; misdirection to avoid penalties.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I am known for my channel Minimum Player Count mainly on YouTube but I first started on Instagram
- Welcome to the show
- we are not going to take it easy on you so maybe you should be a little bit nervous
- stop watching and go play a game
- you can also see some of my videos on board game spotlight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video aYtay691ASI
Unknown general_discussion at 8:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7335 · mention_pk 21676
Click to watch at 8:06
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- great for groups that enjoy bluffing and social play
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- social deduction through deception
- bluffing card game with insect-themed imagery
- party game with bluffing mechanics
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — players claim cards are certain species and bluff to mislead others
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- cartographers that's got a solo mode doesn't it
- I'd like to play the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shadows of the Past I've got that game it works brilliantly for five players
- Twilight Struggle there we go
- Fantasy Realms nice little portable card game simple to teach lots of nice strategy
- this dragon's gold now
- that game is the meanest game I think I've got
- Power Grid plays with six and it's quite good with bigger numbers but I'm rubbish at it
- Pitch Out flicking game really good totally overlooked
- self-serving because it is my own design but would play a nice three-player game of Doodle Rush
- rock paper wizard that's what I'd go for
- I've changed a lot over the years didn't enjoy killer bunnies
- Ticket to Ride is very predictable isn't it
- Identic that's what I'd go for duplic or identic it's the same game
- the most complex games that I have are Dominant Species and Poseidon
- Poseidon that's a heavy economic game an introductory 18xx game
- I could easily imagine a bunch of six to eight year olds asking to play Monopoly that would ruin my day
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ePrJDdG3qLU
Actual OH general_discussion at 28:07 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7289 · mention_pk 21539
Click to watch at 28:07
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- classic bluffing game
- great for social play
Cons
- may rely on social dynamics
Thematic elements
- bluffing and deception
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — players bluff about the cards they hold
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the production is incredible
- this is a long one there's a few games of my collection
- I'm keeping this one forever
- it's a great family game
- it's basically a social deduction game and it's really clever
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VklqooWDzRw
No Rolls Bard top_10_list at 11:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6550 · mention_pk 19409
Click to watch at 11:14
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- extremely portable and quick
- high laughs and social interaction
Cons
- may rely on quick social read of others
Thematic elements
- bluffing and deduction with creature cards
- pub/social
- fast and social
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deduction — pass a card face down and claim what it is; others may call you on truth or lies, prompting a reveal.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- there are only three important places in a british person's life: the place they were born, the place they will die, and the pub
- please consider subscribing... and also always drink responsibly
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video AyxV2fK215g
Adam Porter top_100_list at 2:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6055 · mention_pk 17931
Click to watch at 2:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Humorous, social interaction; easy to teach
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Sheriff of Nottingham
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deception — players pass a card while declaring its identity; others guess truth or deceit
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- i absolutely love cockroach poker
- the big moments and the big swings are quite satisfying
- i find these games hilarious
- i really like the game huh or hein
- watching the value of things change
- the moment when that tower collapses it's exciting
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video meITuX9fvII
Unknown Channel design_philosophy at 5:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5490 · mention_pk 16359
Click to watch at 5:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly accessible, quick social interaction
- replayability due to bluffing depth
Cons
- limited components; relies on player interaction for longevity
- may not suit players uncomfortable with bluffing
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Avalon
- Deception
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deception — Players bluff about the identity of cards while others guess truthfulness
- social deduction — Players deduce or mislead based on presented information
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the rules are defined cheating is universally considered wrong
- interaction in board games is about more than just the gameplay
- the hobby is broader now and it's more visible but it still has community at its heart
- gamers gather in groups in an evening or at the weekend in cafes church halls game stores
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mJKBGnE_DAI
Adam's Board Game Wales personal_vlog at 5:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4980 · mention_pk 14799
Click to watch at 5:49
Overall sentiment (raw)
very_positive
Pros
- one mechanism that is pure fun
- simple to learn
- lies and accusations create hilarity
- comes in lovely little package
- distinctive cute/ugly art
- works in small or large groups
- instant accessibility
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- creature-based
- social
- pure mechanism
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- board games are sort of absolutely central to my life really and my being my makeup and also to my relationship the relationship with evenness that's what we do we play games
- the thing about this one is I want simple games I want games which are very very small I want to be able to put them one on each of the tables
- I'm very proud of the games I've made I want to be able to show the games off to people I haven't seen for a long time
- this is what I would call a pure game it's one mechanism and that mechanism is fun that mechanism is just lying to your friends or telling the truth
- I would play this any time I absolutely love it
- it's a card game classic okay it's a staple
- every time we end up laughing every time we attract a big crowd
- it's a really good game for children but it's also a really good game for adults who don't play many games
- the great thing is I've got a German version so I can put that you know where the German contingent at the wedding can play it
- the ingenious thing is the fact that there's always a match between two two cards but only ever one thing matches it's a mathematical marvel
- it's gonna be a game that that the German people can easily pick up without me needing to have a separate sort of German Edition
- a bunch of my friends will feel more comfortable sitting down and playing a board game than they will dancing and getting rekt
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -E3GwpjBiTQ
Unknown Channel analysis at 12:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4845 · mention_pk 14343
Click to watch at 12:22
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly interactive with minimal rules
- fun, social atmosphere
Cons
- some players dislike heavy bluffing mechanics
Thematic elements
- deception and social signaling
- abstract bluffing game
- party/social interaction game
Comparison games
- Pyramid of Penguin
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deception — Players bluff about the card they hold; others evaluate the lie
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I talk to the game and the game talks back.
- the feedback tells the user you've done it right do that more or perhaps you've done it wrong don't do that again.
- you're going to feel like you're achieving something when you play, you want a game to reassure you, guide you and challenge you, you want it to react to my decisions and you want to know that the game is listening.
- the most common feedback in tabletop games is the allocation of rewards for certain actions.
- the continuous accumulation of victory points gives a sense of growth or momentum to a tabletop game.
- the game talks back, and that is a core part of what makes feedback powerful.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5XIN2VERfGM
The Secret Cabal Gaming Podcast game_recommendations at 6:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4351 · mention_pk 12714
Click to watch at 6:40
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Hilarious gameplay
- Lots of laughter
- Psychological mind games
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Bluffing and lying
- Card game with vile creatures
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — Players try to deceive others about card types
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I could tell you that I could do these lists until the day I die because we're always playing new games
- I hope this list help you find some games that you could play with your family as well
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2M7x8d8fj2E
Actual Lol general_discussion at 2:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3992 · mention_pk 11626
Click to watch at 2:46
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- very social and interactive
- fun to bluff and read others
Cons
- can be confusing for first-time players
Thematic elements
- bluffing and deduction without revealing identities
- parlor/pub table atmosphere
- playful, social deception
Comparison games
- Skull
- Spicy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hidden information and bluffing — Players declare or imply the identity of face-down cards; others call bluffs.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the tension when someone is flipping over coasters one at a time is brilliant
- no thanks is a one-of-a-kind game that is perfect for playing in pubs
- it's such a clever way of simulating the housing market
- the final reveal is such a great moment
- one of my favorite bits of any game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video oUHDLAbwFC0
Three Minute Board Games top_10_list at 11:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3696 · mention_pk 10891
Click to watch at 11:10
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Light, fast, hilarious with the right group
Cons
- Bluffing reliability depends on players' storytelling skills
Thematic elements
- bluffing, storytelling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Bluffing and deduction — Pass and reveal cards while bluffing about what they are; guess or misdirect.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's like Scrabble on methampetamine
- mindblowing just how much game is jammed into this very, very tiny Gloomhaven box
- Scout is a phenomenal Spa box game
- it's a great filler game
- you can't see your own cards
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video eRc3WHcoO9o
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 20:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1333 · mention_pk 3931
Click to watch at 20:10
Overall sentiment (raw)
extremely positive
Pros
- Pocket-perfect, hilarious, great with any group
- Ideal starter for mixed-age players
Cons
- Bluffing can stall if players aren't into deception
Thematic elements
- insects and creatures as stand-ins for deception
- lie-detecting bluffing party game
- social bluffing with quick rounds
Comparison games
- Granny's Bluff
- Lie Detector
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deduction — Players declare a card's identity; others guess truth or lie.
- passing cards — Cards are passed around as players decide to call out or mislead.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's just great, it's just a really good game.
- Cockroach Poker is my number one.
- What we want in filler games is something quick and satisfying.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video eRc3WHcoO9o
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 20:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1333 · mention_pk 3936
Click to watch at 20:12
Overall sentiment (raw)
highly positive
Pros
- Intense bluffing with minimal rules
- Great party starter for mixed groups
Cons
- Not as rewarding with very small groups who know each other well
Thematic elements
- insects as bluff targets
- lie-detection bluffing party game
- social deception with quick rounds
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deduction — Declare a card's identity; opponents decide truth or lie.
- passing cards — Cards move around; callers decide to challenge or believe.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's just great, it's just a really good game.
- Cockroach Poker is my number one.
- What we want in filler games is something quick and satisfying.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ne3YJh0Tn7s
Unknown Channel playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 532 · mention_pk 1603
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high social engagement and banter
- fast-paced rounds with frequent decisions
- strong party-game energy and replayability
Cons
- rules can be a bit opaque for new players
- depth is limited; some may seek heavier strategy
Thematic elements
- deception, identity guessing, and social interaction among a round of players
- abstract table-top bluffing session; players manage a deck of animal-themed cards
- humorous, banter-heavy, light-minded
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing — players present or imply an animal identity while attempting to mislead others about the true card
- card_passing/identity_handling — cards circulate among players; decisions about when to reveal or misrepresent drive play
- social_deduction — participants infer others' beliefs and counter-beliefs from statements and reactions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- cockroach poker is. True. You bully somebody.
- This is a fly.
- It's a bat.
- We should do some tradies.
- That was a crazy round.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MDsUo5UP44Q
Actual general_discussion at 25:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 357 · mention_pk 1077
Click to watch at 25:27
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high interaction and laughs
- great for party settings
Cons
- replay fatigue if played too often
- depends on lively group dynamic
Thematic elements
- light, chaotic bluffing
- bluffing card game with silly bluffing mechanics
- party-game with social deduction flavor
Comparison games
- Shifty Spies
- Anomia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / deduction — Guess or misrepresent the identity of hidden cards to mislead other players.
- social interaction — Direct challenges and declarations drive the pace.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This collection's bloated and ugly and I heard it struggling to perform on game night. There's no sh there's only some shame in it.
- If you want me to answer your collection concerns, then become a patron of the channel. I would love to soothe your shelves and caress your callax until all your pain is gone.
- It's about trying to play to the situation, finding games that you like that these people would play.
- Sleeping Gods is like a epic kind of narrative driven thing, and that's not something that really exists in a compact format that you can teach in 15 minutes.
- Like Sleeping Gods... you got to set that aside possibly selling them because it's unlikely you're going to get that experience that you want right now and investing in games that you can play.
- This video is sponsored by Hule and I'm going to make myself a meal right now.
- Top tip for anyone, just buy one of these crime games, finish it, then move on to the next one because you've also got like five boxes of Chronicles of Crime and then there's the expansions down the bottom.
- If you're new to the hobby, don't just be buying the new stuff that they're pitching to you at GenCon because that is not the best games.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6oN_jf0To2w
No Rolls Bard playthrough at 0:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 169 · mention_pk 477
Click to watch at 0:47
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high interaction and social bluffing built into a simple loop
- strong group dynamics with expressive performances
- funly tense atmosphere that suits a Halloween vibe
Cons
- depends heavily on players' acting and table dynamics
- can feel meta-dependent or repetitive for some groups
Thematic elements
- creepy crawlies and social bluffing
- Halloween-themed gathering around a table with a rotating crew of players
- social deception with ostentatious bluffing and dramatic claims
Comparison games
- Betrayal at House on the Hill
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bluffing / face-down claims — Players pass a card face down and claim its identity; others may challenge or pass.
- hand management / card flow — Managing the pace of passing cards around the table as the game escalates toward a loss condition.
- inference / deduction — Players deduce whether the previous player's claim is true based on behavior and card content.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a game of bluff tension and a whole bunch of creepies crawlies
- double bluff occasionally triple bluff and a sprinkling of cruelty
- it's a big old lie
- you gotta pass it to me you got less coward
- there's such a thing as a poker face but some of us are just too honest
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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