%2Fpic1170986.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
About BANG!
BANG! is a hidden-role card game set in the Wild West. The Sheriff is revealed, while the Deputies, Outlaws and the lone Renegade keep their roles secret. On your turn you draw cards, shoot at people in range, dodge with Missed! cards and drink Beer to heal. It is noisy, swingy and full of table talk, though players who are knocked out early may wait a while for the next game.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Is BANG! Right for You?
Best for
BANG! is for groups of six or seven who like noisy, confrontational games with plenty of bluffing. It works best with people who enjoy a bit of theatre, such as accusing the Renegade or begging the Sheriff for mercy. It is a good fit for a regular group that will play several games in a row.
Maybe skip it if…
Player elimination is a real issue: someone shot in the first ten minutes may sit out for half an hour. At four players the hidden roles barely matter, and games can drag if people are cautious.
How to Play BANG!
Setup
Deal a secret role to each player; the Sheriff reveals theirs. Everyone takes a character with a special ability and life points equal to its bullets, with one extra for the Sheriff, then draws that many cards.
On Your Turn
- Draw two cards.
- Play as many cards as you like, but only one BANG! per turn unless a card says otherwise. You can only shoot players within your weapon's range, counted by seats around the table.
- A target can cancel a BANG! with a Missed! card; otherwise they lose a life point.
- At the end of your turn, discard down to your current life points.
How to Win
The Sheriff and Deputies win when all Outlaws and the Renegade are dead. The Outlaws win if the Sheriff dies. The Renegade wins by being the last player standing.
💡 Strategy Tips
As the Sheriff, do not shoot blindly. Killing your own Deputy costs you every card in your hand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting about range. You can only shoot players within the distance your weapon allows, counted around the table.
- Revealing your role through obvious play. Outlaws who shoot the Sheriff on turn one leave the Deputies with an easy job.
- The Sheriff killing a Deputy by mistake. The penalty is losing every card in hand and on the table.
- Holding too many cards. You must discard down to your life points at the end of each turn, so spend them.
Advanced Strategy
- As the Renegade, help the Sheriff early. You need everyone else gone first, and the Sheriff dying early hands the win to the Outlaws.
- Keep a Missed! card in hand when you can. A full hand of attack cards leaves you exposed.
- Pay attention to each character's ability. Several change how you draw or defend, and they matter more than people expect.
- Killing an Outlaw earns you three cards, so a hit on a low-health Outlaw is often worth more than spreading damage.
Variants & House Rules
Dodge City
The first major expansion, adding new characters, playing cards and role cards, and support for an eighth player.
High Noon and A Fistful of Cards
Two expansions built around a deck of scenario cards that change the rules each round, revealed by the Sheriff.
BANG! The Dice Game
A standalone dice version with the same roles that plays in about fifteen minutes and suits groups who find the card game too long.
Video Guides
Loading videos…
Our Verdict
BANG! is a loud, likeable classic that has held up for more than twenty years. Its BGG rating is modest, mostly because of player elimination and long games at full count. We still enjoy it with the right group, but many tables now prefer the faster dice version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players do you need?
Four to seven with the base game, and eight with the Dodge City expansion. Six or seven is where the roles work best.
What happens when you are eliminated?
You reveal your role and are out for the rest of the game. With a big group that can mean a long wait.
Is the dice game better?
It is shorter and many groups prefer it. The card game has more choices and more character interaction.