# Pretense

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 5.6
- **BGG Rank**: #23581
- **Players**: 2-12 (Best with: 6)
- **Duration**: 60-360 min
- **Weight**: 1.07 / 5
- **Designers**: Jason Tagmire
- **Artists**: Fabrice Weiss
- **Publishers**: Alderac Entertainment Group, Button Shy
- **Categories**: Bluffing, Card Game, Deduction, Party Game, Print & Play, Real-time
- **Mechanics**: Player Elimination, Role Playing, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
The perfect game to turn any board game night into a social espionage episode!Brilliant and disruptive metagameHigh social interactionEasy to learn and playPortable and practicalCan cause paranoia among friendsBest with medium groupsRECOMMENDED

## Description
You know those game nights where everyone is gathered around a big strategy game or a classic tabletop title? Well, Pretense is the game you play *while* that is happening. It doesn't interrupt the fun; instead, it acts as the secret spice that turns a regular night into a field of espionage and social lies. It is what we call a metagame: an extra layer of chaos happening right under the table.

The concept is brilliant in its simplicity. As the night begins, every player is dealt a secret role and, more importantly, a secret objective. Your job is to fulfill that objective without anyone realizing what you are up to. If you are clever enough to complete your mission, you don't just score a point—you also get to 'steal' someone else's identity. This creates a domino effect of paranoia: you start questioning if your friend's casual comment was just small talk or if they just completed an objective and are now trying to seize control.

Supporting 2 to 12 players, Pretense truly shines when the group is around 5 to 6 people, creating that perfect balance between chaos and control. Don't expect complex rules or massive boards; what you have here is pure applied psychology. You will be watching glances, analyzing tones of voice, and trying to deduce who is pretending to be whom. It is a game of pure social interaction, where your best tool isn't a die, but your ability to keep a straight face. If you love bluffing, deduction, and want to upgrade your game nights with your crew, Pretense is the kind of 'game within a game' you didn't know you needed, but will want to play at every single gathering.

## FAQ
### How long does a game last?
It lasts as long as your game night! It is played in parallel to other games.

### What is the ideal number of players?
While it supports 2 to 12, the 'sweet spot' for balanced chaos is between 5 and 6 players.

### Do I need expensive components?
Not at all! It's a simple card game, often played in a Print & Play format.

### Is it hard to learn?
Not at all. The rules are quick so you don't take time away from your main game.

### Who is this for?
For groups that love bluffing, high interaction, and want an extra 'spice' during gatherings.

## Price Comparison
### Best Offers in Brazil
- **Frodos BG**: R$ 94,90 (https://loja.frodosbg.com.br/pretense?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/pretense

### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 8.41 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=1664436&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 8.86 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6916249&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/17602/pretense?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com