Writes Ben Waterhouse, Head of Mulcaster
This week, the Exam Hall transformed into a den of spies, assassins, and corrupt politicians as the House Board Games competition returned for 2026. This year’s chosen game was Coup, a fast-paced card game of bluffing and deduction, which the boys have been honing their skills at during tutor periods over the past year.
What is Coup? For the uninitiated, Coup is set in a dystopian future where players head rival families vying for power. The mechanic is simple yet ruthless: you are dealt two character cards (such as the Duke, Assassin, or Contessa), but you can claim to have any card you wish. The game thrives on deception—if you lie and get away with it, you gain power. If you are challenged and caught, you lose a life. It is a game that tests nerve, memory, and the ability to keep a poker face under pressure.
Across two intense sessions on Tuesday and Friday, 96 boys represented their Houses across 8 simultaneous tables. The atmosphere was electric, with the quiet of deep concentration frequently punctuated by gasps of “Challenge!” or pleas of mercy against assassination attempts.
The competition was incredibly tight, particularly at the top of the table. Walter House put up a fierce fight, dominating several tables with aggressive play, but it was Mulcaster who ultimately mastered the art of the bluff. Through consistent high placements and cool-headed strategy, Mulcaster edged out the victory by a mere 2 points to take the title. As a result, they will be selecting the game for next year’s competition.
A huge well done to all who took part; the standard of play was exceptional, and the camaraderie (even amidst the betrayals!) was fantastic to see.
Full results are as follows:
| Place | House | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mulcaster | 75 |
| 2 | Walter | 73 |
| 3 | Raphael | 68 |
| 4 | Spenser | 60 |
| 5 | Manor | 60 |
| 6 | White | 53 |
| 7 | Hilles | 51 |
| 8 | Andrewes | 40 |
