Contraband

Lagoon Games, MB Jeux, MB Spellen · Board game · 1950
3–6 · best 4 20 min Weight 1.4/5
rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Looking for a quick and fun game of bluffing and deduction? Contraband is the right pick for those who enjoy reading their friends and risking a few little lies at customs!

Highlights
  • Pure bluffing and deduction
  • Super fast games
  • Tension with every declaration
  • Great for groups
Keep in mind
  • Simple rules, deep interaction
  • Relies on player interaction
  • Can have a 'kingmaker'
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a trip full of bluffs and accusations in Contraband! In this fast-paced game, one player takes on the role of the Customs Agent, while the others are travelers trying to get their goods through. Each traveler declares what's in their luggage (represented by cards), and the agent decides whether to believe them or not. If the agent trusts them, the traveler pays a duty fee and the turn passes. But if the agent is suspicious, they can search the luggage! If the traveler told the truth, the agent pays a fine for defamation. Otherwise, the traveler pays hefty fines for each illegal item. The fun escalates with the possibility of other players acting as informants, looking to unmask the smugglers. And watch out for the 'diplomatic attaché' card, which can grant free passage – or be used as a bluff to trick everyone! Contraband is a game of pure deduction and bluffing, perfect for those who enjoy reading their opponents and risking a few little lies. With games that last no more than 20 minutes, it's ideal for warming up a game night or for a quick round among friends. The simplicity of the rules contrasts with the tension of the decisions, making each round a new chance to be the clever one or the sharp detective.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Theme: Smuggling
Publisher Lagoon Games, MB Jeux, MB Spellen, MB Spiele, Milton Bradley, Pepys (Castell Brothers)
Designer (Uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players does Contraband support?
Contraband is for 3 to 6 players, making it great for groups!
How long does a game take?
Get ready for lightning-fast games! Each session takes about 20 minutes on average.
Is the game difficult to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple and straightforward, focusing more on player interaction and bluffing.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to be the cleverest traveler, declaring your items correctly (or not!) and tricking the customs agent, or to be the shrewdest agent, catching smugglers in the act.
Do I need a lot of components to play?
The game primarily consists of cards, making it quite portable and easy to set up.
Who would you recommend Contraband for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy bluffing, deduction, and social interaction games, especially if you like quick matches full of laughs.
Are there any expansions or more complex versions?
The original Contraband is a simple and direct game. The fun comes precisely from the interaction and the variations players create with their bluffs.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

7 games