Such a Thing?

About this board game

Such a Thing? is a quick-thinking party game for 2–8 players that takes about 30 minutes to play. Players try to name something—real, imaginary, or barely plausible—that matches an ever-growing list of characteristics.

Each card adds a new requirement, such as can fly, made of metal, or has eyes. Players take turns playing more traits from their hands, steadily making the challenge harder. If you think the latest combination cannot possibly describe anything, you can declare the famous phrase: “There’s no such thing!”

A challenge puts the previous answer to the test. That player must name a thing matching every characteristic currently in play. If the group considers the answer reasonable, the challenger takes the penalty. If the answer is too absurd—or no answer can be produced—the penalty returns to the challenger.

• Creative wordplay: Find connections between increasingly unusual traits.
• Persuasive debate: Defend an unexpected answer or question someone else’s claim.
• Multiple ways to play: Empty your hand first, or score by identifying things matching three face-up traits.

Originally released in 1989, Such a Thing? blends logic, imagination, and social judgment into a lively group experience. Its flexible definitions and escalating requirements create room for clever answers, comic stretches, and well-timed challenges.

For players who enjoy fast-thinking party games with a playful dose of debate, it has a similar spirit to Perpetual Notion, FitzIt, It Fits, and JaLink.