Munchkin - How To Play

[@dougascott]

My wife once had the most Munchkiny Munchkin win ever. She and another player were both level 9 and she was helping that other player in a fight because she also had an ability that let her gain levels when helping another. So, there’d be a tie as they hit level 10 together (which they were fine with; a win’s a win). *But* after combat, my wife played a card that let her *steal* the levels gained by a helped player, leaving her the lone winner. There was impressed applause from the table. 😄

[@WatchItPlayed]

Wow - that is a SUPER munchkiny win! And well done for the player to be good sports and recognizing a wild ending!

[@viridianOwO]

aren't you supposed to win instantly when you reach level 10 ?

[@davidd4755]

Savage 😂

[@statichamster75]

First let me preface this by saying if the owner of the game decides that that's how the card work than that is how the card works and honestly it sounds like it's an epic win. However, to me, there are several things in that specific scenario that imply to me that the card wouldn't work that way. First, the instant you advance to level 10; the game is over..so you shouldn't have been able to play that card. There is no longer a game to play it into. If you were able to play that card then combat isn't over and , for example, a Go Up a Level card could have been played on your Helper to negate it. Second, in order to steal a level you'd have to be able to use it; since at that point you you couldn't go up a level (even at level 9 with a card) then the card should have fizzled. At least that's my understanding. Probably better not to ruin an epic win though.

[@teejleague3838]

"You have no class at the beginning of the game." ....Rodney, I thought you were a nice guy!!!! XD XD XD

[@WatchItPlayed]

They make a joke about this in the rule book too :)

[@teejleague3838]

@@WatchItPlayed Hahaha, and here I was thinking I was being so original! XD

[@harryd.4400]

“Everyone starts as a Level 1 human with no class. (Heh, heh.)”. That never gets old.

[@juanmilo0]

@@harryd.4400 i have the cthulhu version at it says "we never get tired of that joke" haha

[@sanderscast]

a 😊ádd❤❤❤ 😊 ❤❤!=!!😊😅bv😊ñ 😊

[@CharlesN88]

Popping in a late comment just to say that I love being able to rely on these videos when I need a refresher for game nights with the guys. Thank you for what you have done for the community, Rodney. Always a reliable source of rules knowledge. If you haven't wrote a book on the art of the teach, you should. Much love from Oregon!

[@WatchItPlayed]

That's very kind Charles - really nice to know you've enjoyed. Greetings back from Canada!

[@keving82383]

This game gets a lot of hate on bgg and with gamers in general, but I will NEVER be embarrassed to admit that I love it and will play it anytime 😂 Munchkin is perfect for what it is: a light hearted, beer and pretzels game that should be enjoyed by friends who don't get upset by others doing mean things to them haha

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you've been enjoying this. Fun is where you find it!

[@philhatfield2282]

I, too, greatly enjoy Munchkin.

[@TheGerm56]

What's bgg?

[@keving82383]

Boardgamegeek. It's an online database of virtually every board game ever made.

[@fritsravn6814]

Its fast, fun and i love the text on the cards

[@ShelfStories]

I approve of this video. Munchkin is underrated as heck.

[@ryangerlach5956]

Munchkin, what a classic. This might be the game that really got me into board gaming.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I know it was a gateway game for a lot of my local friends.

[@sk82rok]

That box top flip was super clean!

[@aleksejmilojevic6048]

Finally! A how to play for the greatest game ever made!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@TheGoodLuc]

It's Magic! But this game has more fun, it seems.

[@zachcollins6968]

Well done as always! This one has been a long time coming! Thanks again Rodney!

[@WatchItPlayed]

It's gotten a lot of requests over the years!

[@burkeboyberger7996]

I love this new trend. A new video about an old games. I'll sure go back to play this gem after watching this. Thx, Rodney

[@WatchItPlayed]

I've enjoyed sprinkling in a few of these classic games with the newer ones - glad you're enjoying it too!

[@yvettelee3990]

Great video! Clear explanation as always and you brought a light heartedness to the table. Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say, thanks Yvette!

[@gaaraxebeard]

This was a great video. I've played Munchkin for years and somehow after reading the rules many times I still missed the one that says that undead monsters can join other undead monsters in combat without a wandering monster card. I'm going to have to check the rules I have again when I get the chance to see if maybe they are outdated.

[@nalrendepaepe93]

I've had the marvel version of the game for a whil but only once I read the og's rumes that i koticed woch made me check for demons

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad to have helped you catch a rule!

[@Starolfr]

Nice! Yeah, lots of different versions have cards that can "stack". It can get crazy if you're playing a blender Munchkin. LOL

[@weirdbeard2244]

Possibly. I think that originally, undead was only used for the ability in the Cleric class.

[@GimmieCookie]

Thanks for this video. just picked this up for my kids for Christmas and I balked at reading the instructions. Now that I have an overview I’ll give it another go

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time playing!

[@MiG0202]

Finally! Hey folks hello! Yes you who just came to our hobby! Please welcome! And try many games as u can, not only Munchkin! But it is ok to start with! Glad that u r here! ;)

[@WatchItPlayed]

A lovely sentiment!

[@alannash2778]

I agree that trying as many board games as possible is essential to find out what you like best! To those who are new to the hobby though, Munchkin is not only a great game to start with, it's a great game to keep revisiting over the years of your board gaming career! I myself have logged over 148 plays since 2018. Not all of these plays are with the base version, there are approximately 40 versions in total and depending on your vibe, you can even shuffle the different ones together (want to play as orcs with super powers??). I will never again play with more than 4 people though, the game will take too long for what it is once you add that 5th seat :)

[@realanimalshorts]

You carry yourself in such a nice way, you're very pleasant to listen to!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you kindly!

[@Gaogaigar13]

This the game that opened the door for me. Thanks for bringing it back 😁

[@WatchItPlayed]

A pleasure!

[@anarchkinoundtanzlokal1355]

don't you mean it kicked in the door for you :D (i'm sorry)

[@VideoGameTakeOut]

The ultimate intro game. I don't play it much now but I still have all my black and white cards for nostalgia. Great video!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thank you!

[@stevenelson3685]

As always, Rodney, a master class in board game instruction! Thanks for all you do for the board game community!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very kind of you to say Steve.

[@Starolfr]

I love Munchkin and have played it MAAAANY times (and with lots of different versions - and "blender" Munchkin games). But since I can't play it, I am glad I got to watch this in the meantime. ;) Well done, sir!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you enjoy getting your Munchkin fix!

[@Starolfr]

@@WatchItPlayed Thank you! I will indeed! ;) (Soon... Soon..... lol. I foresee some Cthulhu Munchkin - or perhaps a bit of Munchkin Bites & Zombie Munchkin blender this weekend, if I'm lucky.)

[@henriwhitehead]

Great video! This has been a staple in my classroom for the teenagers. They love it.

[@WatchItPlayed]

The players in our game group really enjoyed this one too!

[@jplikesmaths]

Thank you so much for making this! I’ve recently heard about this game and I’ve decided to do a bulk buy of the game + lots of expansions when I get my pay

[@WatchItPlayed]

I hope you have a great time playing!

[@teejleague3838]

A long time before I was into gaming, I had friends who were crazy about Munchkin and Pandemic. I had no clue what either were before that. I think those two games, along with several others like Catan and Ticket to Ride, issued in the happy world of gaming options we have today! :)

[@WatchItPlayed]

When I first moved here, everyone I knew played Munchkin - it's definitely one of those games that brought a lot of people into the hobby.

[@jukeboxhero30]

I played this long ago and didn't like it very much cause it wasn't "cool" enough for me. Now I'm looking at it and thinking to myself "I NEED this in my life. Like NOW."

[@WatchItPlayed]

Glad you're enjoying the idea of it more now!

[@correpepor]

I think this is the game I have played the most in my life. We love it at home. We have a lot of expansions. Among my friends we call it the "friendship breaker". XD This "How to Play" is long overdue ;-) Very well explained, as always. Regards.

[@bryanscollick8305]

I play this with students and nothing brings together a group like ganging up on a Level 9 character!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks Pepor!

[@WendyGa]

Always chasing the hotness! :) Thanks so much for your broad coverage of games. You have helped us get so many games to the table over the years. Much appreciated!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the kind words Wendy!

[@scottsmartky]

I've never been more disappointed with Chaz. He didn't force you to wear a stuffed chicken on your head for part of the video. Normally, I'd never want shenanigans during a teaching video, but it's Munchkin. That game is shenanigans in a box.

[@koopasideburns]

Great video cool shirt

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks!

[@deanandtavonplumb7059]

Where was this 2 years ago when I 1st learned munchkin 😂 I've read that rule book at least a hundred times especially when we 1st started playing.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hopefully this will spare others some challenges!

[@nktommy13]

So clear explanation!! Thank you!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome!

[@taraarbeau6394]

This was very helpful. Thank you!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - have fun playing!

[@frankdetank9126]

I'm here for Rodney, not Munchkin. Again I'm excited to see you do these videos for classic games. I'd also love to see videos on some modern classics Everdell, Wingspan, etc.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're in luck, we've got videos for both of those!

[@frankdetank9126]

@@WatchItPlayed shut the front door! I should have suggested something that you don't have already completed. Here you go some 🥓 for being proactive.

[@flame9343]

0:10 damm that was smooth

[@nkesteren]

What a timing, bought it last week!

[@WatchItPlayed]

No kidding! Hope you have a fun time playing!

[@mrpankau]

Your shirt is insanely dope.

[@franciscohuerta-constantin3177]

Just got it last week, nice game. Most of the time, thanks for your gameplay videos I am able to decide of the game is going to like me or not :D

[@WatchItPlayed]

So nice to know these have been helpful!

[@feite_devries]

Thank you so much!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

You're very welcome - have fun playing!

[@Dawas__2001]

Finally 😍😍😍😍

[@weirdbeard2244]

I wish that channels like this existed when the tile-laying version, Munchkin Quest, came out. That one has a *book* of rules, and it’s hard enough for me to find people who want to read 6 pages, including credits and ads. After the holidays, though, I might see if anyone wants to try Digital. It just released a No-Timer option and, of course, does all the math for you.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hope you have some more success with it in the future.

[@epicshadowboy9338]

I dont quite understand how the item cards function... What is the meaning of having a card in play without being able to use it? Do you have to place items in play if you have them on hand? What are the limits around? I simply dont really understand the carrying / having on hand difference...

[@WatchItPlayed]

Some cards can't be equipped by your character (for example if you're not an elf, but the item can only be used by an elf). That said, you can still "carry" that item, you just can't use it. Why carry it at all? Well, there are a few reasons - you might BECOME the type of character that CAN use the item later in the game (due to card effects). You don't HAVE to place item in your hand on the table in front of you, you can keep them in your hand, but you might want to put them on the table just to get them out of your hand (because remember during the charity phase, if you have more than 5 cards in hand you have to give those extras away to another player). You also can't trade items with other players unless they are on the table, so that's another reason to put them there. I hope some of this helps. You'll find all this detailed in the video, so you might find it helpful to give it another watch, now that you have a better understanding.

[@Paheena1]

Thanks, great vid!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Very glad you enjoyed!

[@blitzblix5069]

Hey man my friends and I got into an argument over how the Munchkin rules are made. I need to know: when a player is fighting two monsters at once and cant kill both monsters, are they allowed to run away from one and then kill the other? Or is it that if they choose to run then they have to run away from both monsters? please let me know so that I can play this game without any arguments with my friends. Please link evidence if you have any too. Thank You.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Let me know if this addresses your question: munchkin.game/gameplay/faq/#:~:text=Important%20Note%20%234%3A%20Fighting%20Multiple,or%20until%20the%20munchkins%20flee.

[@bryanscollick8305]

The meanest game you will ever play and if you are okay with it, no problem!

[@rubrielperezpagan8414]

Hi Rodney! I've been playing munchkin lately and I love it! Can you give me recommendations on similar board games to munchkin?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey, thanks for the interest. I tend to avoid giving personalized recommendations. What I like, someone else might not - but hopefully you see a few games on here that might be what you are looking for!

[@pfranx]

Hello, I have a question and please forgive me if somewhere you had already answer it: at the start of the game each player gets 4+4 cards, may they all use them to customise their characters immediately during the first player turn or does each player wait for their first turn to put down class or race cards and equipment (carried or used)? Thank you

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey there, I'm always happy to try to help with rules questions, but if the answer is provided in the video, than I have to direct you there. You'll find an index in the description to help you find the section you might be looking for.

[@khoreydakers1905]

Okay quick question! Regarding level 10, you’re required to kill a monster or at least help kill a monster to level up. Can this monster be played from your hand or does it have to be a “knock the door down” monster?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I don't recall there being any limitation on how you get your 10th monster kill, so however you kill the monster would count. If you want some more details, there's also a FAQ for the game: munchkin.game/gameplay/faq/

[@khoreydakers1905]

@@WatchItPlayed you’re awesome man, thanks for being so quick

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@khoreydakers1905 Happy to help - have fun playing!

[@kishorepurohit8010]

Hi Rodney - Can you please have a video on modern classic game - Samurai by Dr. Knizia? It would be great to have a play through video for the same the way you did for 7 Wonders and Small World

[@WatchItPlayed]

Thanks for the interest! I talk a bit about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XXdaisfrqUbKM&t=342

[@Grimlong]

They need to do a Kickstarter with all of the expansions and something to store it in. Like a Big Box edition. I need to replace my set but I need a better reason too.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I bet that would be very popular!

[@Krispe]

I would absolutely buy that

[@BenjaminoBest]

They already have stuff like that. I’ve seen people with all the editions have it all inside a special card box that separates them all out. Not sure where they got it.

[@pfcravt]

I already knew I had no class lol

[@kimyohbee1245]

Blast from the past

[@WatchItPlayed]

Our own version of time travel!

[@brandonspicer2482]

If a monster kills you, do you go down levels first based on card or stay at the level you died at? Also can you only loot a room if you find no monster? Or can you loot after you kill a monster or after look for trouble?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey there, I'm always happy to try to help with rules questions, but if the answer is provided in the video, than I have to direct you there. You'll find an index in the description to help you find the section you might be looking for.

[@lightdx7008]

It looks funny.. I would buy it but in my country main language is spanish. While i don't have problem with english my family and friends would. Hope you guys expant and translate the game to sell it in other markets.

[@WatchItPlayed]

I don't make the game, just created this video to help teach it. Hope you get a Spanish copy some day!

[@stevenhughes8856]

If you flip over a monster do you have to fight it or can you put it in your hand?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hey there, I'm always happy to try to help with rules questions, but if the answer is provided in the video, than I have to direct you there. You'll find an index in the description to help you find the section you might be looking for.

[@franciscoantunes8432]

Can you play items, classes or races before you kick the door?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Hi Francisco, I shot this long enough ago I don't remember the answer (and I lent my copy to a friend, so I can't easily check the answer for you).

[@TheErnieforss]

Is this a may fools joke? This game is like 25 years old. Great, now i want a may 2 fool day

[@WatchItPlayed]

Never too late to cover a game!

[@zachster2016]

One question i still have, what are face down cards? I dont think thats considered your hand but i havent ran into any cards that say to put them into play secretly or anything like that?

[@WatchItPlayed]

It's been awhile since I shot this - do you have a timestamp for the section you are asking about?

[@weirdbeard2244]

Faceup Doors are when you Kick Open The Door at the start of each turn, and have to show everyone what it is. Facedown Doors are the ones you put directly into your hand, without showing anyone, when you Loot the Room, or Listen At The Door (in the fastplay variations). You draw Treasures facedown if you kill/get rid of all the Monsters with no help. You draw Treasures faceup if you had to Ask For Help. Even if the helper agreed to, or was forced to, help for no Treasure. Regardless of how you get Treasure cards, you then decide whether to play them to the table, or keep them in your hand.

[@stevegold8070]

Thanks for this very nice video. I did boght this game, used but in very good condition, just a few weeks ago. One thing I did see theres a difference with my game. It contains plastic meeples in the shape of Vikings, and not as your game does, cardboard figures. Do you know why this change in the game? Mine is also a DELUXE game. Could it be different editions?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I believe this was a change in an older version of the deluxe edition.

[@philipjreed]

The change was made several years ago to keep costs down. As you know, inflation has been an issue as manufacturing and shipping prices keep climbing. The switch helped keep the retail price from climbing too high.

[@Alan-lf6qu]

If i have 4 cards and take 1 curse card, should i use it directly or i can keep it?

[@WatchItPlayed]

I shot this long enough ago, I'm not sure which phase of the game you're specifically referring to. Can you provide a time stamp for the section of the video you are asking about?

[@steffenmass]

How many times do you have to do the intro before you get the box to land upright?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Are you suggesting I don't get it on the first attempt? *gasp*

[@keving82383]

One time. Every time. Everyone knows this.

[@tyrek-lawrencecaniete1980]

If someone dies it states they don’t lose their race, class and level and that they can’t win. Does the winning part just stay for that moment or does it mean for the rest of the game u cannot win the game?

[@WatchItPlayed]

While you're dead you can't win, but as soon as it comes back to your turn and you're back in the game (and no longer dead), you are capable of winning again.

[@leedohy111]

I have a question: after the third phase, how do you continue? Do you go to phase 1 again and so on?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yep! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHetqKRjrbqFnbs The next player goes, following the phases on their turn.

[@leedohy111]

@@WatchItPlayed Ahh thank you! And you go through all phases in 1 turn right?

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@leedohy111 You've got it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHetqKRjrbqFnbs

[@weirdbeard2244]

There’s also, in the fast play rules a Phase 0. You start by giving yourself a Door card, putting it in your hand and *then* Kick Open The Door. Loot The Room is then done (if you didn’t fight a monster or Look For Trouble) by taking the top Treasure instead of Door.

[@Alan-lf6qu]

How if i dont have class or race at the beginning?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Then you won't have any to play yet. You'll be able to play race and class cards as the game goes on (when you do have them). You'll find this covered in the video.

[@jacubmertaslan4003]

Thank you now i can play this game

[@WatchItPlayed]

Have a great time!

[@burningwaffle5240]

If i have 2 one hand weapons equipped, can i carry a 2 hand weapon?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Yep, be sure to check the section of the video that discusses equipped vs carrying for details.

[@steve8056]

Can I come over and play games lol

[@timmy10100]

How many cards can you have in your hand at any one time

[@WatchItPlayed]

I forget what I say in the video, but if I don't indicate there's a limit, there there isn't one.

[@weirdbeard2244]

During your turn, it doesn’t matter. At the end of your turn Dwarfs have to get down to 6 and everyone else down to 5.

[@DrakeFeatherwing]

Have you ever looked at The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls, Rodney?

[@WatchItPlayed]

Not closely, but I'm aware of it.

[@Bunk_Eazy]

So you are allowed to place items you cannot use on the table so as not to be forced to discard them since they aren't technically in your hand. seems like you can have infinite items this way that cant be right. Or did I hear the video wrong someone let me know please.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You heard right. You can only “equip” a certain number of items, but you can carry any number of them (except Big items, there’s restrictions on those). If you need a refresh, the video is indexed to help you find the section you might need to check again.

[@Bunk_Eazy]

@@WatchItPlayed ok that pretty much clears thing up thank you. Played last night with some friends and realized that we did thing a little wrong but we were consistent and had fun so all’s fine

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@Bunk_Eazy That's ultimately the most important part!

[@martinnovy4529]

"You have no class at the beginning of the game" welp.. I guess so.

[@bonitabromeliads]

is this munchkin or munchkin delux

[@WatchItPlayed]

Do watch the introduction, I discuss how I'm approaching it there.

[@bryanscollick8305]

One more thing- NEVER TOUCH A DUCK IN A DUNGEON!!

[@WatchItPlayed]

Good advice!

[@Duracelbunny]

What. My deluxe edition has real miniatures, not cardboard standees.

[@WatchItPlayed]

You likely have an earlier printing. I believe they stopped including the minis.

[@drydizzle2954]

I can see the pain in Rodney's eyes in having to review this game..

[@WatchItPlayed]

I don't review games, so no pain here. This is a game that brought a lot of people into the hobby - was happy to teach it.