About this game
Pop-Up Pirate takes its idea from the well-known pirate barrel party toy. One of the barrel's 20 holes is a trap, and a sword in that hole sends the pirate flying.
How to play
- Enter 2 to 12 players.
- The person named on screen picks a hole.
- The sword goes in, and there's a short wait.
- If the pirate pops out, that person is it.
The surprise
Even a safe hole won't let you relax. On about 30% of safe stabs, the pirate pokes his head up and ducks back down. This fake-out is purely a prank and has nothing to do with the result. When someone hits the real trap, the barrel rattles first, then the pirate fills the whole screen and swords fly in every direction.
A note before you play
Expect a loud sound, vibration and flashes. If you are sensitive to these, mute the sound or pick another game.
Is it fair?
With 20 holes, the chance that the next hole is the trap rises as safe swords go in. Shuffling the order at the start means nobody is always at a disadvantage. The trap is set once and never moves, and a fake-out doesn't mean the trap is nearby.
Frequently asked questions
The pirate peeked out. Am I caught?
No, that's a fake-out and the game continues. When you're caught, the pirate fills the entire screen.
Does hole position affect the odds?
No. All holes have the same odds.
Is this the actual toy?
No. It is an original online game inspired by a similar style of play, and it is not affiliated with any product.