A Haiku card in Cards Against Humanity is a specific Black Card, officially titled "Make a Haiku," designed to ceremonially conclude a game.
This unique Black Card serves as the official ending for a good game of Cards Against Humanity. Unlike regular Black Cards that prompt players to fill in blanks with humorous White Cards, the "Make a Haiku" card signals that the game session is coming to an end. It is intended to be played when participants are ready to wrap up their gameplay.
Key Characteristics of the Haiku Card
- Game-Ending Function: Its primary purpose is to provide a definitive and fun conclusion to a game session, acting as a ceremonial "last round."
- Black Card Status: It is a Black Card, meaning it dictates the prompt or context for the round, even though its function is different from typical Black Cards.
- Reserved for the End: The game's design suggests this card should be kept aside and only used when the players decide to stop playing.
- Flexible Haiku Format: A crucial aspect is that the "haiku" created using this card does not need to adhere to the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure. This allows players more freedom to create a humorous or memorable final statement using their available White Cards, without the constraint of poetic form.
How it Ends the Game
When the "Make a Haiku" Black Card is played, it signifies the game's official cessation. Players typically choose the White Cards they've accumulated throughout the game to form a "haiku" based on the absurd or offensive combinations that are characteristic of Cards Against Humanity. The focus shifts from winning points to creating a final, memorable, and often hilarious, collective poetic expression as a capstone to the gaming experience.
Haiku Card vs. Traditional Haiku
While it bears the name "Haiku," the Cards Against Humanity version significantly deviates from the traditional Japanese poetic form. This table highlights the distinctions:
| Feature | Haiku Card Against Humanity | Traditional Haiku |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ceremonial game ending | Poetic expression, often about nature |
| Structure | Does not require 5-7-5 syllables | Strictly adheres to 5-7-5 syllable count |
| Content | Drawn from game's pre-written White Cards | Original thoughts and observations |
| Context | Part of a satirical party game | Standalone literary art form |
| Goal | Amusing final statement | Evoking emotion or imagery through brevity |
For more details on the gameplay, you can refer to the official Cards Against Humanity rules.
