I remember the first time I loaded a shell in Shotgun Roulette. My heart was pounding, even though it was just a game. Whether you’re playing the digital Buckshot Roulette on Steam or using our physical tabletop set at home, the rules are simple to learn but incredibly tense to master.
If you’re new to the game, here is exactly how I break down the rules for my friends when we play.
The Core Concept: It’s All About Probability
At its heart, Shotgun Roulette is a game of chance and strategy played between two people: The Dealer and The Player.
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The Load: At the start of each round, a random number of "Live" (red) and "Blank" (blue) shells are displayed. I always tell people to pay close attention here—memorizing the ratio is the only way to survive.
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The Chambering: The Dealer loads the shells into the shotgun in a hidden, randomized order.
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The Choice: On your turn, you point the shotgun at the Dealer or yourself.
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Shoot the Dealer: If it’s Live, they lose a charge (life). If it’s a Blank, nothing happens and it’s now their turn.
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Shoot Yourself: If it’s a Blank, you actually get to skip the Dealer’s turn and go again. If it’s Live... well, you lose a life.
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Using Items to Tilt the Odds
This is where the game gets "sweaty." In the versions I play, you get items to help you manipulate the deck. Here are the ones I find most important:
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The Magnifying Glass: I use this to peek at the current shell in the chamber. It’s a literal lifesaver.
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The Beer: I use this to "rack" the shotgun, which ejects the current shell without firing it. It's perfect for getting rid of a shell when you aren't sure what it is.
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The Cigarette: This restores one of your life charges.
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The Handcuffs: These skip the Dealer’s next turn entirely.
Why I Prefer the Physical Game Over Digital
The digital game is great, but I found that clicking a mouse didn't give me that same "adrenaline hit" as actually holding the gear. That’s why I helped develop the Kidobum Physical Shotgun Roulette Set.
When I play the $19.99 Kidobum version with friends, the tension is real. You aren't just looking at pixels; you're looking at your buddy’s face while you decide whether to hand them the shotgun. Our kit includes all the physical shells and item cards you need to turn any table into a high-stakes survival match.
My Pro Strategy Tip
Don't just fire blindly. I always count the shells out loud. If there are 3 Blanks and 1 Live left, the math is on your side to shoot yourself to get that extra turn. But be careful—luck has a funny way of turning on you right when you feel safe.
Want to try it yourself? [Grab our Shotgun Roulette Tabletop Set for $19.99 USD] and see if you can outlast the Dealer tonight.
