Apples to Apples is a hilarious party card game that sparks creativity and laughter. The game’s simple premise of comparing nouns to adjectives makes it easy to play while offering endless opportunities for fun. Whether you’re a beginner or need a refresher, this guide will teach you the rules and offer tips to make every round unforgettable.
What is Apples to Apples?
Apples to Apples is a comparison-based card game where players match red noun cards to green adjective cards. A judge decides which combination is the funniest, most fitting, or just plain absurd! The goal is to win the most rounds by appealing to the judge’s sense of humor or logic.
Setup of Apples to Apples
Setting up Apples to Apples is quick and easy. Follow these steps:
- Players: 4–10 players (the more, the merrier!).
- Deck: Two types of cards:
- Green cards: Adjectives (e.g., “Delightful,” “Scary”).
- Red cards: Nouns (e.g., “Puppies,” “Aliens”).
- Objective: Win the most rounds by playing the funniest or most fitting red card that matches the judge’s green card.
Each player is dealt 7 red cards. The remaining cards form two separate draw piles for green and red cards. Select one player to be the first judge.
How to Play Apples to Apples
The game progresses in rounds, with one player acting as the judge in each round. Here’s how it works:
- The Judge Picks a Green Card: The judge flips over the top green card and reads the adjective aloud (e.g., “Mysterious”).
- Players Submit Red Cards: Each player chooses one red card from their hand that best matches the green card. Cards are placed face down to keep submissions anonymous.
- The Judge Decides: The judge shuffles the submitted red cards, reads them aloud, and picks the card they like best.
- The Winner Scores: The player who submitted the chosen card wins the round and keeps the green card as a point.
- Draw New Cards: Players draw back up to 7 red cards. A new judge is selected for the next round.
The first player to collect a pre-determined number of green cards wins the game.
Pro Tip: Tailor your red card submissions to the judge’s personality for better chances of winning.
Special Rules of Apples to Apples
To keep the game interesting, here are a few additional rules:
- Judging Criteria: The judge can choose a winner for any reason—logic, humor, or pure randomness!
- Discard Rule: If a player doesn’t like their hand, they can discard all red cards and draw 7 new ones, but only once per game.
- House Rules: Feel free to make your own rules to fit your group’s style, like a rotating “wild judge” rule.
Why Play Apples to Apples?
Apples to Apples is beloved for its simplicity and hilarity. Here’s why it’s a great choice for your next game night:
- Hilarious Comparisons: The wild combinations of nouns and adjectives always lead to laughs.
- Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it perfect for players of all ages.
- Endless Variety: With hundreds of cards, every game feels fresh and unique.
Strategies for Winning at Apples to Apples
While luck and humor play a big role, you can improve your chances with these tips:
- Know Your Judge: Pay attention to what makes each judge laugh or think—it’s key to winning their favor.
- Save Strong Cards: Hold onto red cards that can fit multiple green cards for future rounds.
- Think Outside the Box: Sometimes the most unexpected combinations win.
Apples to Apples Variations
Want to add a twist to your game? Try these variations:
- Themed Apples to Apples: Use only cards that fit a specific theme, like holidays or movies.
- Team Play: Pair up with a teammate and decide on submissions together.
- Rapid Fire: Limit submission time to 10 seconds for a fast-paced game.
Conclusion
Apples to Apples is a game of creativity, humor, and strategy. Its simple rules make it accessible for players of all ages, while its endless card combinations keep the laughs coming. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing to collect the most green cards, Apples to Apples guarantees a memorable game night.
Explore more fun card games and their rules in our Complementary Games guide
FAQs
What’s the best way to win as a judge?
Be fair and unpredictable—keep players guessing to encourage creative submissions.
What makes Apples to Apples different from other party games?
Its simplicity and focus on creative comparisons make it unique and endlessly fun.
Can you make your own cards?
Absolutely! Blank cards are included in some editions, or you can create your own for extra fun.
