Apples To Apples – A Party Card Game About Comparisons

Author: Seth Brown – www.risingpun.com

• 4-10 players
• 30-45 minutes
• 12 years and up

Apples to Apples is a party game, so there isn’t really any underlying theme. You’re playing the game to try and guess how other players think of various random things. What does Bob think is more Friendly: The 1960s, The Green Bay Packers, Pancakes, or the Ocean?

What’s In the Box?

Lots and lots of cards with a few words on them.

Most of these cards are red-backed and list things, ranging from various celebrities and historical figures to everyday objects to places to weird personal references like “My first kiss”. These generally have a quote on them.

A smaller number of cards are green-backed and have descriptions and adjectives, which range from “Sexy” to “Peaceful”, and have a few synonyms on the card.

There is also a tray to hold the cards.

How Do You Play?

Deal everyone a hand of red cards with things on them. The current judge picks up a green card and reads the adjective. All non-judge players must choose the card from their hand to which they feel that adjective best applies, and play it face-down.

Once cards are down, the judge reveals all cards, and decides which one is best described by his adjective. (The judge’s decisions are always final, which is why he’s called the judge.)

The player whose card was chosen wins the green card as a point. Then the next player draws a new green card to read, and she becomes the judge. Repeat ad infinitem.

What’s Cool?

Apples to Apples is a very fun and silly game with the right group. The best games often feature judges who explains their decisions as they go along, saying things like, “Well, I’m pretty sure Breakfast Cereal isn’t very Scary. Einstein’s hair might be Scary, but he isn’t. Which leaves Vampires and Telemarketers… I know which one I’m more afraid of. Telemarketers it is!”

As a party game, Apples to Apples is incredibly accessible. You can take a room full of people who have never played a game in their lives, explain the game in three minutes, and all will be enjoying it three minutes after that. It’s great with a large group, and watching the variety of judge personalities is always entertaining.

Naturally, playing to the judge is a huge part of the game. If Susan thinks football is stupid, and she’s judging for the card that says “Stupid”, then you should play your Football card – even if you think it’s the greatest game ever invented. This results in a better game among closer friends.

What’s Not To Like?

Since so much depends on knowing the judge, Apples to Apples can be frustrating for a player who does not really know the other judges. This can result in a game going sour for a close group with a single newcomer, because the newcomer simply doesn’t know enough about the people judging in comparison to everyone else.

Also, some serious gamers may complain that the game is too arbitrary because other players can simply choose who wins. But it is a mistake to think of Apples to Apples as a competitive game. It is a party activity, and while technically there is a score kept and a final winner, it’s largely irrelevant to the enjoyment of the game.

Overall Thoughts

Apples to Apples is a great little party game sure to spark some interesting arguments about why certain inanimate objects are more generous than others, as players lobby for their own selection. It plays very well with families, making it the perfect game for parents with children who can’t really hold their own in strategic games.

Buy Your Own Copy of Apples to Apples Here