Apples to Apples is a popular and easy-to-learn party game that’s perfect for groups of four to ten players. Whether you’re at a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this game offers endless fun and creativity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic rules, setup, and some strategies to help you win.
What You Need to Play
To play Apples to Apples, you’ll need a standard set of the game, which includes:
- Red Apple Cards: These cards contain nouns (people, places, things, or events). A standard set typically includes around 749 red cards.
- Green Apple Cards: These cards feature adjectives, which describe the nouns. There are usually about 249 green cards in a standard set.
- Blank Cards: Some sets include blank cards that allow you to add your own words, making the game even more personal.
Objective of the Game
The main objective is to collect a certain number of green apple cards, which are earned by having your red apple card selected by the judge as the best match to the green apple card in play. The number of green cards required to win depends on the number of players. For instance, in a game with four players, the first person to collect eight green cards wins. As the number of players increases, the required number of green cards decreases.
Setting Up the Game
- Select the Judge: The game begins by choosing one player to be the judge for the first round. The role of the judge rotates clockwise after each round.
- Deal the Cards: The judge shuffles the red apple cards and deals seven to each player, including themselves. The green apple cards are placed in a stack, face down, in the center of the table.
How to Play
- Start the Round: The judge draws a green apple card from the top of the stack, reads the word aloud, and places it face-up in the center.
- Selecting Red Cards: Each player (except the judge) looks at their red apple cards and selects the one they believe best matches the green apple card. The goal is to make the funniest, most relevant, or most creative comparison. Once selected, players place their red cards face down on the table.
- Judging: The judge shuffles the submitted red apple cards to ensure anonymity and then reads them aloud. The judge then selects the red apple card they think best matches the green apple card. The player who submitted the chosen card wins the round and receives the green apple card.
- End of the Round: All players draw a new red apple card to maintain a hand of seven cards, and the role of the judge passes to the next player. The process repeats until one player collects the required number of green cards to win the game.
Winning the Game
To win Apples to Apples, a player must collect a certain number of green apple cards. The required number varies based on the number of players:
- 4 players: 8 green cards
- 5 players: 7 green cards
- 6 players: 6 green cards
- 7 players: 5 green cards
- 8-10 players: 4 green cards
The first player to reach the designated number of green cards wins the game.
Strategies for Success
- Know Your Judge: Pay attention to the preferences and sense of humor of the judge. Tailoring your red apple card choice to what you think will appeal to them can increase your chances of winning the round.
- Think Creatively: Sometimes the best matches aren’t the most obvious ones. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and submit a red card that offers a unique or unexpected interpretation of the green card.
- Use the Quick Pick Rule: To keep the game moving, some groups enforce a “quick pick” rule, where the last player to submit their card is automatically out for that round. This encourages fast decision-making and adds an element of excitement.
- Make Use of Blank Cards: If your set includes blank cards, use them to add inside jokes or references that the group will appreciate. This can give you an edge, especially with familiar judges.
Variations of the Game
There are several versions of Apples to Apples available, including Apples to Apples Junior, which is tailored for younger players, and themed versions like the Disney edition. These variations follow the same basic rules but feature content that may be more appropriate or interesting for specific groups.
Apples to Apples is a game that combines humor, creativity, and quick thinking. Whether you’re playing with family or friends, it’s sure to bring laughter and lively discussion. With these rules and strategies in mind, you’re all set to enjoy a game that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
