How To Play: WINK

Wink is a laugh-out-loud party game about giving and spotting secret winks. Learn how to play wink by mastering fake winks, sneaky secrets, and reading faces. Use the included cards and tokens for wild rounds of deception, suspicion, and giggles with friends. Get ready for chaos and eye-twitches!

Overview

So your friends roped you into playing Wink and now you want to win, huh? I’ve been there too, pretending I know what I’m doing while trying to wink with the grace of a startled owl. In this guide, I’ll give you a quick outline of the game rules and share the best strategies for winning. Get ready to master the fine art of winking without breaking your own face.

What’s in the box

  • 72 Numbered Cards
  • 16 Player Tokens
  • 1 Score Pad
  • 4 Card Holders
  • 1 Rulebook

How To Play WINK: Rules Summary

Setup
  1. Give each player a set of colored cards that match their player token.
  2. Place the numbered cards in the center, shuffled and face up.
  3. Everyone picks a token and grabs a score sheet or paper to keep track.
  4. Sit in a circle, because awkward triangles make everything harder.
Gameplay
  1. On your turn, pick a numbered card from the center. This card is now your target.
  2. Look for the player with your target card. Try to get them to wink at you, without anyone else noticing.
  3. If you get winked at, record the number discreetly.
  4. Other players watch everyone like hawks, hoping to catch a sneaky wink.
  5. Turns continue clockwise until all cards have been picked.
Winning
  1. When all rounds are done, total up your points.
  2. You get points for correct winks and for catching other sneaky winks.
  3. The player with the most points takes home the bragging rights—and maybe a suspicious squint from everyone else.
Special Rules & Conditions
  1. If someone accuses another player of winking and they are wrong, they lose a point. Don’t start a witch hunt!
  2. If a wink is too obvious, it’s fair game—don’t be too obvious or you’ll get caught.
  3. Players must never talk about their cards or winks during the round. Suspense is key.

That’s it, you’re ready for your first game night with this How To Play wink guide. Just remember, the fewer people trust you by the end, the better you probably did!

Best WINK Strategies

Mastering the Art of Spotting Fake Winks in Wink

When playing Wink, I always keep an eagle eye out for fake winks. Spotting impostors is not only fun but also gives you a solid edge! Now, let me share what works best for me and my friends when we need to catch those sly winks. Here are my top tips to win using the How To Play wink strategy:

1. Watch for Nervous Energy

  1. People who fake a wink often act jittery or laugh more than usual.
  2. Keep an eye on those who look away or fidget after a failed wink attempt.

2. Observe What Happens Right After

  1. True winkers stay calm; fakers tend to check if anyone noticed.
  2. Listen for weird excuses or stories—they’re covering their tracks!

3. Use Group Chatter

  1. Chat with your group and see who gets defensive quickly.
  2. Ask innocent questions about the round—fakers often trip up.

Mastering the Sneaky Wink in Wink

I learned the hard way that brazen winks get you caught fast. Honestly, keeping your wink under wraps is an art. My friend Lucy still mocks my epic wink fail from last game night. Here’s how I sharpened my skills.

1. Choose Your Moment Wisely
  1. Wait until everyone’s distracted. People forget to notice you when snacks arrive, trust me.
  2. Use laughter as a cover. If the group chuckles, sneak in a wink.
2. Control Your Face
  1. Keep your other eye relaxed. If you squint both, my aunt Susan will call you out.
  2. Relax your mouth. Weird smiles draw too much attention.
3. Use Obstacles
  1. Hide behind a hand of cards or a friend’s head. No shame—winning is sweet.

With these tricks, I can say my win rate doubled. That’s how to play wink like a real spy!

Mastering Poker Faces in Wink: Your Ticket to Victory

Why Reading Faces Wins Games

So, your best friend claims they have nothing to hide. Meanwhile, their left eyebrow twitches like a disco strobe. Learning to read those sneaky signals gives you a real edge in How To Play wink.

Catch Micro-Expressions Fast

  1. Watch for sudden eye flicks or smirks.
  2. Notice unplanned giggles or nose scratches.
  3. Spot sweaty foreheads—always suspicious.

Use the Power of Comparison

  1. Pay attention to how your friends usually look when relaxed.
  2. Compare their normal face to their game face for differences.

Stay Alert and Keep Guessing

  1. Keep your eyes moving around the table.
  2. Switch suspects every round; don’t tunnel on one player.
  3. Remember, in How To Play wink, everyone’s hiding something!

Last Laughs: Mastering How To Play wink

Let me tell you, after a night of playing Wink with my friends, I learned two things. One, my wink faces could frighten small children. Two, this game is pure chaos and I love it. Keep your winks sneaky, your poker face strong, and your eyes everywhere. Trust no one—especially the quiet cousin in the corner. With these tips on How To Play wink, you’ll be winking your way to victory. Just try not to burst out laughing at the wrong time. Seriously, it gets you caught every time.

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

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.