The rumor that has circulated in the tabletop gaming community for years is entirely true: the Cards Against Humanity Bigger Blacker Box contains secret cards hidden within its very physical structure. Unlike standard expansion packs where you simply peel off the plastic wrap, the "Bigger Blacker Box" (BBB) requires a bit of minor surgery to reveal its most elusive treasures.

For the uninitiated, Cards Against Humanity is a game that thrives on subverting expectations, and hiding cards inside the packaging is perhaps the ultimate expression of their brand philosophy. If you own one of these massive storage cases and haven't yet felt the urge to cut into the lining, you are missing out on at least one, and potentially two, unique cards that cannot be obtained anywhere else.

What is the Bigger Blacker Box?

Before you take a blade to your collection, it is essential to understand exactly what the Bigger Blacker Box is. Released in 2013 and later updated to a second version, the BBB was designed as the ultimate storage solution for the ever-expanding universe of Cards Against Humanity.

Measuring approximately 21 inches in length, this monolithic black box was built to hold up to 2,500 cards. It originally came with a handful of blank cards, foam fillers, and the "Box Expansion" cards. However, its true appeal to hardcore fans lies in the "Easter Eggs" hidden by the creators. Because the box has been discontinued in favor of newer storage products like the "BOKS," the original Bigger Blacker Boxes have become somewhat of a collector’s item, making the discovery of their hidden contents even more significant today.

Confirmation of the Secret Cards

Yes, there are secret cards. These are not merely extra cards tucked into the bottom of the box; they are physically sealed behind the cardboard and paper lining of the container itself.

In most instances, these cards are white answer cards featuring text printed in shimmering silver foil—a stark contrast to the standard black ink used on regular cards. The placement and number of cards depend entirely on which version of the box you own.

The Original Bigger Blacker Box (V1)

The first iteration of the box typically contains one hidden card. This card is almost always located in the center of the inside lid.

The Newer Bigger Blacker Box (V2)

The updated version, often referred to as the "Bigger Blacker Box 2," raised the stakes by hiding two cards. One is located in the lid, and the other is embedded in the center of the bottom of the box.

How to Locate the Secret Cards Without Damaging the Box

Before you start cutting, you need to verify the exact location of the hidden card. Because the card is a rigid piece of cardstock sandwiched between layers of cardboard, you can feel its presence with a bit of tactile investigation.

  1. Empty the Box: Remove all your CAH cards, the foam dividers, and any expansion packs. You need a clear view of the interior surfaces.
  2. The Lid Test: Turn the lid over so the interior is facing up. Run your fingers firmly across the center of the paper lining. You are looking for a slight rectangular protrusion or a "bump" that feels distinctly harder and thicker than the surrounding area.
  3. The Bottom Test: Perform the same action on the bottom of the main storage compartment. Press down in the dead center. If you feel a raised rectangle roughly the size of a standard CAH card, you have the V2 box with two secrets.
  4. Visual Confirmation: If you catch the light at the right angle, you can often see the faint outline of the card’s edges pressed against the paper lining.

Step-by-Step Guide to Extracting the Hidden Cards

Extracting these cards requires a steady hand. If you are too aggressive, you will slice through the secret card itself or ruin the structural integrity of your storage box.

Tools You Will Need

  • A Precision Knife: An X-Acto knife or a brand-new box cutter blade is mandatory. Do not use a dull kitchen knife.
  • A Ruler (Optional): To help guide your cuts if you want a clean, professional look.
  • Tape or Glue: To reseal the lining afterward if you wish to keep the box looking "stock."

The Extraction Process

  1. Identify the Center: Once you’ve felt the card's location, mark the center point.
  2. The Initial Incision: Gently pierce the paper lining in the center of the card's location. Do not press hard; the goal is only to cut through the thin paper layer, not the cardboard or the card underneath.
  3. The Cross Cut: Many collectors prefer making an "X" shaped cut across the area where the card is felt. This allows you to peel back the four triangular flaps of paper to reveal the card.
  4. Peel and Retrieve: Use your fingernail or the tip of the blade to lift the edge of the paper. Once you can see the card, carefully slide it out. The card is usually not glued down, but it might be a snug fit.
  5. Clean Up: After the card is removed, you can either leave the flaps open as a "battle scar" of your discovery or use a small amount of adhesive to press the paper lining back down.

What Do the Secret Cards Say?

The content of these cards is classic Cards Against Humanity—irreverent, shocking, and intentionally "problematic."

The Lid Card

In almost every version of the BBB, the card hidden in the lid is a white card that reads: "The biggest, blackest dick." This card is usually printed with silver foil lettering, making it a "shiny" version of a card that appeared in earlier expansion sets.

The Bottom Card (V2 Only)

For those who have the second version of the box, the card hidden in the bottom lining is often even more meta and controversial. The text typically reads: "A dick so big and so black that it is a problematic stereotype." Like its counterpart, this is usually a silver foil card.

The Procedurally Generated Surprise

While not "hidden" inside the lining of the box in the same way, some versions of the Bigger Blacker Box included a yellow envelope containing a "completely unique, procedurally-generated" card. These cards were created by an algorithm and were supposedly unique to every box. While these don't require a knife to find, they are often tucked away in the expansion pack that comes inside the box.

Why Does Cards Against Humanity Hide Cards?

To understand why a company would encourage its customers to cut open their own purchases, one must look at the history of Cards Against Humanity’s marketing. The creators have a long history of "anti-marketing" and satirical stunts.

  • The Bullshit Box: One Black Friday, the company removed their game from the store and sold "literal pieces of bull feces" for $6. Over 30,000 people bought it.
  • The Holiday Hole: They once raised over $100,000 to dig a hole in the ground for no reason, filling it back up once the donations stopped.
  • Original Prongles: They once rebranded their entire web presence to sell a parody of Pringles chips.

The hidden card in the Bigger Blacker Box is an extension of this prankster spirit. It rewards the most curious and obsessive fans—those who aren't afraid to "destroy" a product to see what's inside. It turns a simple storage box into a puzzle and a piece of performance art.

Common Misconceptions: Where the Secret Cards ARE NOT

As the legend of the hidden CAH cards grew, many players began mutilating their other boxes in search of more secrets. It is important to clarify which products do not contain hidden cards to save you from unnecessary property damage.

  1. The Main Game Box: Whether you have the 1.0 or the 2.0 version of the base set, there are no cards hidden in the lining.
  2. The Red, Blue, and Green Boxes: These are standard expansion packs. They are filled with cards, but none are hidden inside the cardboard walls.
  3. The Absurd Box: Despite its name and the "weird" marketing surrounding it, there are no hidden cards in the lining of the Absurd Box.
  4. The BOKS: The newest storage solution from CAH (the one with the latch) is built differently. While it has its own charms, it does not currently have the same "cut-here-for-a-secret" card feature that the BBB had.

The Collector’s Value of the Bigger Blacker Box Today

Since the Bigger Blacker Box was discontinued and replaced by the BOKS, its value on the secondary market has stabilized. Collectors often look for "unopened" or "uncut" boxes. However, for a true player, the value lies in having the complete set—and you cannot have a complete set without the silver foil "Biggest, Blackest" cards.

If you are buying a used Bigger Blacker Box on platforms like eBay, always ask the seller if the hidden cards have already been extracted. An "uncut" box is a rare find and allows you the satisfaction of performing the extraction yourself.

Maintenance and Care After Extraction

Cutting into the lining of your box does slightly weaken the paper, but the heavy-duty cardboard of the BBB is more than capable of handling it. To ensure your box lasts another decade:

  • Seal the Edges: If you made a flap, use a glue stick (not liquid glue, which can warp paper) to seal it back down.
  • Avoid Moisture: The exposed cardboard edges inside the cut are more susceptible to humidity. Keep your box in a dry environment.
  • Don't Overstuff: Even though it's the "Bigger" box, packing it too tightly can put pressure on the lid where you made your cut, potentially causing the paper to tear further.

Summary of Hidden Treasures

The Bigger Blacker Box remains the most iconic accessory in the Cards Against Humanity lineup. It represents a time when the game’s creators were at their peak of hidden-gem marketing. If you are sitting on a box and haven't checked the lid yet, go find a flashlight and a sharp blade. You are just one small incision away from owning the most infamous cards in the game.

Quick Checklist for Finding Your Cards

  • Check the Lid: Dead center, under the paper. Feel for the bump.
  • Check the Bottom: Only if you have the newer version (V2).
  • Use a Sharp Blade: Dull blades cause tears; sharp blades make clean reveals.
  • Look for Silver: The secret cards usually have silver foil text.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I cut my box and there is no card?

If you have a genuine Bigger Blacker Box and don't find a card, you likely have a very early production run or a rare manufacturing error. However, double-check that you aren't actually cutting a "Red Box" or "Blue Box," as those do not contain secrets.

Is the secret card legal in tournament play?

Cards Against Humanity doesn't have an "official" sanctioned tournament circuit like Magic: The Gathering, but in any casual or "house" game, the secret cards are 100% legal and usually result in an automatic win for the round because of their rarity and shock value.

Can I get the secret cards without buying the box?

Officially, no. These cards were never sold separately. You might find them on secondary markets like eBay or Reddit's CAH trading communities, but they often sell for a premium because they require "sacrificing" a box to obtain.

Does the new "BOKS" have a hidden card?

Currently, there is no evidence of a hidden card in the lining of the "BOKS" storage case. The creators seem to have moved away from this specific gimmick for their latest hardware, though they still hide secrets in other ways (like hidden messages on the bottom of card stacks).

What should I do with the procedurally generated card?

Keep it! Because it is unique to your box, no one else in the world has that exact card. It’s a great conversation starter, even if the algorithm occasionally produces a phrase that makes absolutely no sense.