How To Play: Shazam

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a wizard while also trying to outsmart your friends (and maybe annoy them just a little), Shazam is the game for you. In this guide, I’ll run through the basics of how to play Shazam, then share my best tips and tricks for winning. Trust me, after a few games, you’ll be casting spells like it’s second nature (or at least confusing everyone else).

What’s in the box

• 1 Game Board
• 60 Spell Cards
• 6 Wizard Tokens
• 30 Energy Gems
• 12 Curse Tokens
• 1 First Player Marker
• 6 Player Reference Cards
• 1 Rulebook

How To Play Shazam: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Place the main board in the center of your table. Make sure your cat is not sleeping on it. (Yes, Max, I’m looking at you…)
2. Shuffle the spell cards and deal five to each player.
3. Give each player an energy tracker and set it to 10. You’ll need this to survive your friend’s sneaky magic tricks!
4. Put the bonus tokens and energy tokens within easy reach.
5. Select the starting player. (We usualy give it to the person who can shout “Shazam!” the loudest.)

Gameplay

1. On your turn, draw a spell card from the deck.
2. Cast a spell by playing a card and following its instructions. Remember, some spells are flashier than others, so pick wisely.
3. Pay any energy cost required by your spell. If you run out of energy, you’ll understand the meaning of real defeat.
4. Collect any bonuses or penalties as listed on the card.
5. End your turn by discarding a card, then pass play to the next wizard-in-training (that’s your friend, not the dog).

Winning

1. The first player to reduce all rivals to zero energy wins. Easy, right? (Unless your friends are vengeful…)
2. If all players run out of cards, the player with the highest energy wins. Ties are broken with an epic thumb war or another agreed challenge.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you play two identical spells in a row, you trigger a ‘Power Surge’—draw an extra card and gain 2 energy.
2. Some spells have lingering effects. Place these face up in front of you and follow the effect every round.
3. If you forget to pay energy for your spell, your turn is skipped. Even wizards need to keep track of their bills.
4. If a player is eliminated, that player becomes the “Ghost of Shazam” and can steal a card from someone else once per round, just to keep things spicy.

If you’re still confused, blame my cousin Dave. He tried to explain Shazam to me with interpretive dance, so I had to read the rules myself. Good luck and don’t forget to yell ‘Shazam!’ every time you win a round—bonus style points awarded.

Best Shazam Strategies

Mastering Spell Selection and Timing in Shazam

Know Your Spells

Every spell in Shazam packs a punch, but some hit harder than others. I learned this after picking the “Toad Sneeze” twice—never again! Check the spell details each round so you can outwit your friends.

1. Pick spells with flexible effects.
2. Choose spells that mess with your opponents’ plans.
3. Always save one spell for emergencies.

Timing Is Everything

Don’t just throw spells for fun. Wait for the perfect moment. For example, unleash a counter when your friend thinks they have the win. The right spell at the right time flips the table and keeps everyone guessing how to play shazam like a pro.

Shock Your Rivals: Mastering Energy in Shazam

Plan Your Spending

Energy is like coffee—you never have enough. Always plan how to spend your energy every round. This helps avoid running out at the worst moment.

1. Count costs before turns start.
2. Set aside energy for surprises.

Use Bonuses Wisely

If you earn bonus energy, use it smartly. Sometimes, wait a round to unleash a big move.

1. Stack bonuses for stronger spells.
2. Avoid wasting tiny bonuses on weak actions.

Keep an Eye on Others

Steal energy thunder with sharp observation. If a friend looks low on energy, press your advantage.

1. Pressure low-energy players.
2. Save energy if everyone else looks drained.

Mastering Your Rivals: Opponent Reading in Shazam

Spot Their Favorites

Observe which spells your friends pick most. They always reach for the same cards? Use this info to predict their future moves.

1. Count how often each spell appears in their hand.
2. Write down trends if you must (just don’t let them catch you!).

Notice Their Poker Faces

Watch for little reactions—smiles, groans, loud sighs. These can tell you when they have something good or bad.

1. Call out their tells, just to rattle them.

Track Their Turn Order

Often, players repeat the same patterns. Maybe Linda always attacks after saving energy. When you spot this, be ready with a counter!

1. Keep an eye out for repeated choices each round.
2. Prepare your own move accordingly.

Last Words Before You Spell Your Victory

Alright, wizard-wannabes, you made it to the end! If you remember nothing else, just know this: picking the right spells at the right time, managing your energy like it’s your last cup of coffee, and outsmarting your fellow sorcerers is the real magic trick. I have lost and won more Shazam games than I care to admit—mostly lost, thanks Greg. But hey, that’s how you learn! Now go out, cast your spells, and show your friends you’re more than just a fancy robe. Good luck, and may your worst spell fizzle in style!

And if anyone asks you how to play Shazam, just send them this guide and take all the credit. You’re welcome.

Want to know what we think of Shazam? Read our detailed review of Shazam here