7 Conversation Card Decks For Getting Closer
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Our team has loved playing tabletop games with our friends and families for years — these are our top picks for conversation decks that are fun, engaging, and go deep.
It’s not always easy to break the ice — especially if you’re an introvert (*raises hand*). But there’s something comforting and reliable about a conversation deck; there’s less pressure to come up with stimulating conversation, and you can let the cards lead the way instead.
After all, following a few prompts, the conversation flows more easily and new connections are built that can last a lifetime. (Heck, even if you’re with people you see regularly, you can learn something you’ve never known before.)
What are conversation cards?
Unlike other games — board games, video games, you name it — conversation cards exist expressly to encourage openness, connection, and trust. (OK, laughter and raunchiness too, at times.) Decks can range from featuring easy-going icebreakers for groups of colleagues or strangers, to one-on-one questions about intimacy, desires, and vulnerabilities.
We’ve rounded up seven decks below that run the gamut, so no matter what situation you’re in, you’ll have thoughtful questions you can pose every single time.
Our criteria
Our team has personally played and loved the games on this list, as well as many more! The selections below are a fit for a variety of occasions — from date night to game night to team bonding — and build connections old and new. They’re all easy to play, and sure to engage the whole group.
1. Actually Curious
Best For | Themed conversation topics
Price | $25
Curiosity Lab, led by Michael Tennant, created Actually Curious as a conversation card game to spread empathy, build trust, and advocate for inclusivity. Today, the brand has multiple conversation decks across various themes, from the social justice-focused “Human Rights” edition to the “Our Future” edition for couples and close friends. This family-led, Black-owned small business produces all decks using ethical labor and sustainably sourced paper. If you’re not sure which deck is for you, try their quiz — whichever you choose, you’re sure to experience some intimate and powerful connections.
Customer Review | “No, this isn’t really a game, it’s [a] conversation starter tool in an easy to use deck of cards […] We’ve gotten a lot of these type of ‘games’ this past year and this one has some of the most interesting and unique questions of any we’ve tried.” — Heidi (Read more reviews)
2. Where Should We Begin?
Best For | Playing over & over
Price | $40
Esther Perel is best known for her incredible work on human relationships, and Where Should We Begin? — named after her chart-topping podcast — is a wonderful way to learn about the people in your life. This set comes with 200 story cards, a 6-sided die, and suggestions for up to 6 players (including a “safe for work” modification). That way, you can play time and time again with all new variations, prompts, and responses. Packaged in a small, portable box, you can bring this conversational deck/game with you to date nights, parties, or even work outings.
Customer Review | “From the moment we opened the box, my husband and I began going into completely unexplored areas of our relationship. We laughed and just enjoyed each other’s company in a very new way.” — Emanuela (Read more reviews)
3. Kinn
Best For | Mixers, new crowds, parties
Price | $28
Kinn’s conversation cards are as beautiful as they are intriguing. Every deck includes 40 ice-breakers, each one highlighted with stunning hand-drawn illustrations by an Austin-based artist. Whether you’re at work with colleagues or hosting a mixer amongst new friends, these cards provide light conversation and an opportunity for bonding without feeling overly intimate. Proceeds from this lovely little deck support the UN’s World Food Program’s Zero Hunter Initiative, which also makes for a great housewarming or birthday gift!
Customer Review | “With our family being inside most of the time, receiving these conversation cards I ordered, were an unexpected pleasure! We have had fun asking the questions and discussing our responses. What a cool idea! It has grown a stronger bond between me and my kinfolk!” — Kim R. (Read more reviews)
4. Get Closer
Best For | Levels of intimacy
Price | $20–$30
From the team at Intelligent Change (who also brought us the very popular Five Minute Journals and Productivity Planners) comes Get Closer conversation decks. These curated questions are inspired by positive psychology, a branch of psychology focused on cultivating satisfaction and contentment. Here you can find conversation cards for couples, families, work teams, strangers, first dates, and more — and each set includes prompts with varying levels of “closeness.” Go up a level, down a level, or continue as is — up to everyone’s comfort. Intelligent Change products are made solely with natural, recycled, and biodegradable materials!
Customer Review | “I’ve now used this deck in group settings, 1:1 settings, and even on dates. Such a hit, lots of good questions, and I like that there’s a lot so if someone is uncomfy with one, there’s not a lot of pressure to answer it and you can pick from various intensities.” — Annabelle S. (Read more reviews)
5. Healthy Convo Co.
Best For | Adults (couples, bachelorettes, etc.)
Price | $29
Looking for something a little more risqué? Consider Healthy Convo Co.’s Raunchier Together set! (Don’t worry, there are G-rated sets too: “Healthier Together,” “We’re All in This Together,” and “Working Together.”) These R-rated cards are divided into 6 categories: Preferences, Dares, Confessions, Games, Fantasies, and Assignments, and you can use a die for more structured play or freestyle. Bring this to your next girls’ night, close-knit dinner party, or bachelorette party and enjoy the hilarity that ensues.
Customer Review | “I played this with my wife and our friends. I learned a lot, I laughed, and I cried (from laughing so hard). These are great wholesome (for adults only) questions to spice up a cocktail evening amongst friends. The questions are general enough to scale the raunchy based on the comfort level of the group playing.” — Jonathan B. (Read more reviews)
6. We’re Not Really Strangers
Best For | Strangers & couples
Price | $12–$30
We’re Not Really Strangers went seriously viral in the pandemic, helping to build connections digitally during lockdown. Today, this card game has over 2,000 5-star ratings. There are 150 questions in the main deck across three levels of intimacy, and up to 6 people (yes, even strangers!) can play at once. If you want to dig deeper — whether with yourself or loved ones — you can also check out the various expansion packs (i.e., Self Love Game, XXX, Breakup Kit, and a Kids Edition). We love how it unlocks a sense of vulnerability and openness in a way most conversation sets don’t.
Customer Review | “It was so intriguing especially to get to know others better. Being vulnerable is something not a lot of people can do […] I became the most honest version of myself during this game and it was like a breath of fresh air to be willing to get some things off my chest. It also gives others an opportunity to get to know more about you and your perspective on some things which can be helpful.” — Bella (Read more reviews)
7. ban.do
Best For | Dating
Price | $25
Whether you’re embarking on that first date or trying to spice up a long-term relationship, ban.do’s Dating Conversation Cards are sure to reveal new insights about your partner. This 3×3” box set includes 75 conversation prompts, ranging from lighthearted and fun to seriously deep and eye-opening. At just $25, it’s also the perfect gift for loved ones reentering the dating scene after a breakup or two friends you’re trying to match together. 😉
Featured image is from Kinn
