Objective of the Game

In Cheating Moth, the objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards from your hand. Players are encouraged to cheat under certain conditions.

Components

• 72 playing cards, consisting of
• 3 to 5 cards of each number (depending on the number of players)
• 8 action cards (like "Cheat" cards)
• 8 Moth cards

Setup

1. Deal the Cards: Shuffle and deal 8 cards to each player. The rest form a draw pile in the center.
2. Start Card: The player to the left of the dealer places the top card from the draw pile face-up in the center.
3. Guard: One player is designated as the "Guard" to monitor attempts at cheating.

Gameplay

1. Turn Order: Players take turns in clockwise order.
2. Playing Cards: On your turn, you must play a card that is exactly one number higher or lower than the central card (e.g., if a 7 is in play, you can play 6 or 8).
3. Action Cards: These cards have special effects and must be resolved immediately:
4. Mosquito: The next player loses a turn.
5. Cockroach: All players race to play a 7. The first to do so can discard another card.
6. Ant: A player has to draw an extra card.
7. Cheating (Moth Cards): These can never be played legally.
8. Cheating: Players can choose to surreptitiously "dispose" of cards. This can be done by dropping, throwing, hiding in sleeves, or other creative means as long as it's discreet.
9. Catching: If caught cheating, the player must take back the card and draw an extra card as a penalty.
10. The Guard: The Guard may call out cheats. If accusations are incorrect, the Guard must draw a card.

Strategic Tips

• Distraction: Engage others in conversation or give intense looks to distract.
• Timing: Cheat when the Guard is distracted or busy resolving an action card.
• Earn Trust: Make regular movements to gain trust, then cheat when it is most beneficial.

Winning the Game

The game ends immediately when one player has no cards left. This player wins the round.