Snake Oil Print And Play

The commercial version caps out around 10 players. With PnP, you can print multiple core decks to handle a party of 20 people. Just split into groups and let the chaos multiply.

Use this template to create your own Customers or Words to add to the game.

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The Ultimate Guide to Snake Oil: Print & Play Your Next Party Hit

Have you ever looked at a "Burp Balloon" or "Nest Wax" and thought, I could sell that? If so, you’re ready for

, one of the most creative and hilarious party games ever invented. Whether the official version is out of stock or you just love a good DIY project, setting up a Print & Play (PnP) version is a fantastic way to jump into the action. What is Snake Oil?

, one player takes on the role of a Customer (like a Pirate, Diva, or "The Last Person on Earth"). Everyone else acts as a Snake Oil Salesman. You have a hand of six word cards and must combine two of them to create a wacky new product to pitch to that customer.

Goal: Be the most persuasive salesperson and win the Customer Card.

The Pitch: You only have 30–40 seconds to convince the customer that your "Shadow Cloak" or "Safety Hook" is exactly what they need. How to Get the Print & Play Version

While the official game is produced by Out of the Box, there are several community resources to help you build your own set:

Snake Oil is a legendary party game centered on the art of the "pitch." In this game, players take on the roles of quirky characters—like a caveman, a cheerleader, or a rock star—while one player acts as the "Customer." The goal is to combine two Word Cards from your hand to create a "product" and convince the Customer that your invention is exactly what they need. snake oil print and play

Because the game relies primarily on simple text cards, the Snake Oil print and play version is one of the most popular DIY projects for tabletop enthusiasts. Why Choose the Print and Play Version?

While the official boxed set features high-quality cardstock and professional packaging, the print and play (PnP) format offers several unique advantages:

Instant Access: No waiting for shipping or hunting through local hobby shops.

Customization: You can add your own "inside joke" words or specific themes.

Portability: Print a "travel size" version that fits in a pocket for camping or parties.

Sustainability: Use recycled paper or cardstock you already have at home. Essential Components for Your DIY Set

To get the full experience, your print-and-play kit should include two main types of cards: 1. The Word Cards

These are the building blocks of your inventions. You’ll need a deck of at least 100–200 words. Common examples include "Cloud," "Electric," "Banana," "Invisibility," and "Glue." The more abstract the words, the funnier the combinations become. 2. The Customer Cards

These define who you are selling to. A "Zombie" will have very different needs than a "Supervillain" or a "Toddler." Having roughly 20–30 Customer Cards is usually enough for a full night of gaming. How to Assemble Your Game Step 1: Download or Create Your List

Search for open-source "Snake Oil" word lists or PnP PDF templates. Many fans have uploaded formatted sheets that are ready for the printer. Step 2: Print on Heavy Cardstock

Standard printer paper is too flimsy and see-through. Use at least 80lb (216gsm) cardstock so the cards feel substantial and aren't easily damaged during shuffling. Step 3: Protect Your Deck The commercial version caps out around 10 players

If you plan on playing this at parties where drinks are present, consider "sleeving" your cards. Buying a pack of clear plastic card sleeves will keep your DIY set looking new for years. Alternatively, you can laminate the sheets before cutting them. Step 4: The Cut

Use a paper trimmer or a rotary blade for straight edges. For a professional touch, use a corner rounder punch to prevent the sharp edges from fraying over time. Pro-Tips for the Best Experience

🚀 The "Rule of Two": Always force players to use exactly two cards. It prevents people from over-complicating their pitch and keeps the round moving quickly.

🎭 Lean Into the Role: Encourage your "Customer" to stay in character. If the Customer is a "Grumpy Old Man," they should complain about "these kids today" while listening to your pitch for "Electric Socks."

⏱️ Set a Pitch Clock: Give each salesperson 30 to 45 seconds. The funniest pitches are usually the ones where the player is scrambling to justify a "Butter Hammer."

Snake Oil is more about the laughs than the victory. By creating a print and play version, you’re ensuring that a hilarious night of "shady" salesmanship is only a few clicks and a printer cartridge away. If you'd like to get started on your own set:

What specific themes are you interested in (e.g., Sci-Fi, Victorian, Office Life)? Do you need help finding a formatted PDF template?

I can provide curated word lists or assembly guides tailored to your group's size.

Title: Snake Oil: The Fast-Talking Game of Persuasion (Print & Play Edition)

Introduction Welcome to Snake Oil, the party game of fast-talking persuasion and wild inventions! In the Old West, snake oil salesmen traveled the country, selling miraculous elixirs that could cure any ailment. In this game, you take on the role of these silver-tongued charlatans.

This Print & Play version provides everything you need to host a game night right at your kitchen table. All you need is a printer (or a pen and paper), a pair of scissors, and a group of friends ready to stretch the truth. Title: Snake Oil: The Fast-Talking Game of Persuasion

The Snake Oil Print & Play scene is a living experiment in co-creation. It’s part fan art, part game preservation, and part rebellion against planned obsolescence.

Pros:

Cons:

Let’s be responsible for a moment. While you can find fan-made versions on BoardGameGeek (BGG), the best place to start is the publisher.

The Official Demo Kit Out of the Box Publishing has historically released a "demo kit" PDF for Snake Oil. This is a legal, authorized Snake Oil print and play designed for reviewers and conventions. It usually contains:

How to get it:

Note: Always respect copyright. If you love the game, buy a physical copy to support the designers. Use PNP for travel and custom expansions.

Designed by Cliff Bohm and published by Out of the Box Publishing, Snake Oil is a "card game for hucksters." The premise is brilliant in its simplicity:

It is chaotic, creative, and relies entirely on improvisational charisma. The official version is fantastic, but the Snake Oil print and play version gives you something the physical box cannot: infinite flexibility.

Materials Needed:

Instructions:

(Note: If you do not have a printer, you can write these words on slips of paper!)