Crud (game)

Crud is a drinking game played with dice, involving social pressure and probabilistic risk assessment. While the rules can vary regionally and among different playing groups, the core mechanic centers around avoiding holding the "Crud" – a designated state of being, usually tied to a specific die roll or combination of rolls.

The game typically starts with each player receiving a set number of lives (often represented by poker chips or similar tokens). Players take turns rolling a set of dice. Certain dice rolls or combinations result in designated actions, such as passing the "Crud" to another player, losing a life, or forcing another player to drink.

The primary goal is to avoid being the player holding the "Crud" when a specific event triggers its resolution. This event is often the rolling of a predetermined die combination, such as rolling all ones or a sequence of numbers. When the trigger occurs, the player holding the "Crud" typically loses a life.

The game continues with players rolling, passing, and losing lives until only one player remains. This last player is declared the winner.

The rules governing specific die roll results and their consequences are often customized, leading to variations with different levels of complexity and social interaction. Some variations may involve bluffing or strategic decision-making regarding when to pass the "Crud" or force actions on other players. The game's appeal lies in its blend of chance, social dynamics, and the tension of avoiding the negative consequences associated with holding the "Crud".