Gather your friends and family for a night of laughter and learning with Apples to Apples, the classic game that pits your wit against your opponents’. With its simple rules and endless variety, Apples to Apples is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to raucous parties. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, this guide will help you get started with everything you need to know about playing Apples to Apples.
To begin, you’ll need a deck of Apples to Apples cards. Each deck contains 576 cards divided into two categories: Apples and Apples to Apples. Apple cards feature a single word or phrase, while Apples to Apples cards feature a list of seven adjectives or adverbs. The goal of the game is to match an Apple card with the most appropriate Apples to Apples card from your hand. For example, if the Apple card says “happy,” you might play an Apples to Apples card that says “joyful,” “cheerful,” or “elated.”
One player is designated as the “judge” for each round. The judge draws an Apple card and reads it aloud to the other players. Each player then selects an Apples to Apples card from their hand that they believe best matches the Apple card. The judge then shuffles the submitted Apples to Apples cards and reads them aloud one at a time. The judge decides which Apples to Apples card is the best match and awards that player a point. The first player to reach a predetermined number of points—usually five or seven—wins the game.
Understanding the Basics
Apples to Apples is a family-friendly party game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is designed to be simple and easy to learn, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to have a good time without having to spend hours studying the rules.
The goal of Apples to Apples is to get the most cards in your hand by matching them up with cards from the deck. The game is played in rounds, and each round starts with one player being designated as the “judge.” The judge draws a card from the deck and reads the word or phrase on the card aloud. The other players then take turns playing cards from their hands that they think best match the judge’s card.
The judge then decides which card is the best match and awards that card to the player who played it. The player who has the most cards at the end of the game wins.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved in playing Apples to Apples:
Setting up the game
- Shuffle the deck of cards and deal each player 7 cards.
- Designate one player as the “judge” for the first round.
- The judge draws a card from the deck and reads the word or phrase on the card aloud.
Playing the game
- The other players take turns playing cards from their hands that they think best match the judge’s card.
- The judge then decides which card is the best match and awards that card to the player who played it.
- The player who has the most cards at the end of the game wins.
Variations
There are many different variations of Apples to Apples that you can play. Some of the most popular variations include:
Variation Description Apples to Apples Junior A version of the game designed for younger players.
The cards in Apples to Apples Junior are simpler and easier to understand.Apples to Apples Party Box A larger version of the game that includes more cards and game modes. Apples to Apples Expansion Packs Packs of additional cards that can be added to the base game to make it more challenging or to add new themes. Gathering the Essentials
To begin a game of Apples to Apples, you must gather the necessary components.
Red Apples Deck
This deck contains 168 cards with common nouns written on them. Each card represents a different concept or category, such as “Color,” “Animal,” or “Emotion.”
Green Apples Deck
This deck consists of 120 cards with adjectives and descriptors written on them. These cards are used to describe the Red Apple cards.
Scoring Pad
The scoring pad has spaces for players to record their scores. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Table
A table is required to play the game. Players sit around the table and pass cards to each other.
Here is a table summarizing the essential components of Apples to Apples:
Component Description Red Apples Deck 168 cards with common nouns Green Apples Deck 120 cards with adjectives and descriptors Scoring Pad Spaces for players to record their scores Table Used to play the game Dealing the Cards
To begin the game, the dealer evenly distributes seven red apple cards to each player. These cards represent the descriptive words or phrases that players will use to match with the green apple cards.
1. Rotating the Green Apple Card
The dealer then takes the remaining deck of green apple cards and shuffles them thoroughly. They then place the deck face down on the table. The player to the left of the dealer will have the privilege of drawing the first green apple card and placing it face up on the designated area on the table.
2. Choosing a Card Czar
Before starting the round, the players collectively select one player to be the Card Czar. The Card Czar is responsible for selecting the winning combination of cards for each round.
3. Dealing the Rest of the Green Apple Cards
After the initial green apple card has been placed on the table and the Card Czar has been chosen, the dealer will distribute an additional five green apple cards face down to each player. These cards represent the possible matches for the descriptive word or phrase on the green apple card on the table.
Number of Players Number of Green Apple Cards Dealt 3-5 Players 5 Cards per Player 6-8 Players 7 Cards per Player 9-10 Players 9 Cards per Player Selecting the Green Apple Card
The green apple cardholder plays a pivotal role in directing the game’s narrative. Here’s an in-depth guide to their responsibilities:
1. Choosing the Descriptor:
The green apple cardholder has the exclusive right to select a descriptor from the top of the pile. This descriptor forms the basis of the round, shaping the nature of the comparisons players make.
2. Reading the Descriptor:
Once a descriptor is chosen, the green apple cardholder clearly articulates it to the rest of the players. They ensure everyone understands the descriptor’s intended meaning and interpretation.
3. Setting the Tone:
The green apple cardholder’s demeanor and approach can influence the game’s overall atmosphere. They strive to foster a lighthearted and enjoyable environment, encouraging laughter and good-natured competition.
4. Judging the Red Apples:
The green apple cardholder is the ultimate arbiter of which red apple card best matches the descriptor. They carefully consider each player’s rationale, weighing the merits of different interpretations. Their decision often becomes a catalyst for lively discussions and friendly debates, adding depth to the gameplay.
Quality Description Objectivity Strives to be fair and unbiased in their judgments. Humor Injects a touch of wit and humor into their explanations and decisions. Clarity Articulates their reasoning clearly and concisely. Describing the Green Apple Card
The Green Apple card in Apples to Apples is a unique card that serves a crucial role in gameplay.
**Size and Design:**
The Green Apple card is slightly larger than the standard red apple cards and features a bright green background with a white apple in the center.
**Function:**
The Green Apple card is used as a “wildcard” during the game. When played as a description card, it can represent any adjective or phrase from the other players’ hands.
**Choosing the Best Matches:**
To play the Green Apple card effectively, players must carefully consider the other cards on the table and select the best matches. Factors to consider include the length of the description, its specificity, and its potential for humorous or creative interpretations.
Table of Potential Matches:
Description Card Green Apple Card as… Magnificent “Spectacular” Awkward “Clumsy” Delicious “Tasty” Grotesque “Ugly” Melancholic “Sad” **Tips for Playing the Green Apple Card:**
- Be creative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with unexpected or humorous matches.
- Pay attention to context: Consider the overall tone and subject matter of the other cards on the table.
- Don’t overthink it: Sometimes, the best match is the most obvious one.
Choosing the Best Match
Once you have a hand of seven cards, it’s time to start playing. The active player will read the green card aloud. This card contains a word or phrase that will serve as the common topic for the round.
Each other player will then secretly select one of their red cards that they believe best matches the green card. The red cards contain a variety of descriptive words or phrases.
Once everyone has selected a card, they will reveal their cards simultaneously. The active player will then choose the red card that they believe best matches the green card.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing the best match:
- Consider the context. What is the overall tone of the green card? What is the intended meaning of the word or phrase?
- Look for similarities. What words or phrases in the red cards are similar to those in the green card?
- Avoid obvious matches. The goal is to find a card that is both unique and clever. Don’t just choose the first red card that matches the green card.
- Think creatively. Don’t be afraid to come up with unusual or unexpected matches. The more creative your choice, the more likely you are to win.
- Have fun! Apples to Apples is a game of creativity and humor. Don’t take it too seriously and just enjoy the process of playing.
Here is a table that summarizes the key factors to consider when choosing the best match:
Factor Description Context The overall tone and intended meaning of the green card Similarities Words or phrases in the red cards that are similar to those in the green card Uniqueness Choosing a red card that is not an obvious match Creativity Coming up with unusual or unexpected matches Fun Apples to Apples is a game that should be enjoyed! Scoring
During each round, the player with the most cards that match the judge’s card wins. If multiple players have the highest number of matches, they split the points. The number of points won each round depends on the number of players participating:
Number of Players Points Awarded 3 3 points 4 4 points 5 5 points 6 6 points 7 7 points Winning
The game continues until one player reaches the predetermined winning score, which is typically 20 or 25 points. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is declared the winner.
Variations
**Apples to Apples Junior:** A kid-friendly version of the game with simplified rules and easier cards.
**Apples to Apples Party Box:** A larger version of the game with more cards and a wider variety of categories.
**Apples to Apples Travel Edition:** A compact version of the game perfect for playing on the go.
**Apples to Apples Card Game:** A card-only version of the game that can be played quickly and easily.
**Apples to Apples Digital Edition:** A digital version of the game available on iOS and Android devices.
Tips
1. Be creative and think outside the box when choosing your answers.
2. Don’t be afraid to challenge the judge’s choice if you think a better answer has been given.
3. Pay attention to the category that the judge has chosen.
4. Try to avoid using obvious answers.
5. Use your knowledge of the game and the other players to guess what they might choose.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on a card or category.
7. Have fun and don’t take the game too seriously.
8. Develop a strategy for choosing answers. Some players find it helpful to group cards into categories or to focus on choosing answers that are likely to be popular with the other players. Others prefer to choose answers that are more unique or unexpected. Ultimately, the best strategy will vary depending on the group of players and the game situation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
9. Picking the Best Apple
Picking the best Apple card to compare to the Red Apple card can be challenging, especially for new players. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Consider the category. The category of the Red Apple card is a good starting point. Choose an Apple card from a similar category to ensure the comparison is meaningful.
- Check for synonyms and antonyms. Look for words on the Apple cards that are synonyms or antonyms of words on the Red Apple card. This can help you narrow down your options.
- Think about the context. Consider the context of the game. Is there a specific topic or theme being discussed? This can guide your choice of Apple card.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re still having trouble picking the best Apple card, don’t hesitate to ask other players for their opinions or suggestions.
Here’s a table to help you compare the different factors to consider when picking the best Apple card:
Factor Description Category The category of the Red Apple card Synonyms and antonyms Words on the Apple cards that are synonyms or antonyms of words on the Red Apple card Context The context of the game Other players’ opinions The opinions of other players Enjoying the Game
Apples to Apples is a fun and lighthearted game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the game:
10. Be Creative
There are no right or wrong answers in Apples to Apples. The best way to play is to be creative and have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to make up silly or outlandish answers. The more creative you are, the more fun you’ll have.
What It Is How It Works Apples to Apples A party game where players match cards with words or phrases on them Players draw a card with a word or phrase on it and then try to match it to one of the cards in their hand Apples to Apples Junior A version of Apples to Apples for younger players The game is played in the same way as Apples to Apples, but the words and phrases on the cards are simpler How to Play Apples to Apples Game
Apples to Apples is a fun and easy game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great game for parties and social gatherings. Here are the rules of the game:
- The game is played with a deck of cards. Each card has a noun on it.
- One player is chosen to be the judge. The judge draws a red apple card and reads the noun on the card aloud.
- The other players then choose one of the green apple cards in their hands that they think is the best match for the red apple card. They place their green apple card face down on the table.
- The judge then shuffles the green apple cards and reads each one aloud. The judge then chooses the green apple card that they think is the best match for the red apple card.
- The player who played the winning green apple card wins the round and gets to keep both the red and green apple cards.
- The game continues until one player has won a predetermined number of rounds.
People Also Ask
How many people can play Apples to Apples?
Apples to Apples can be played with 4-10 players.
What is the best way to choose a green apple card?
There is no one right way to choose a green apple card. However, some tips include:
- Consider the noun on the red apple card and try to choose a green apple card that is a good match for it.
- Try to choose a green apple card that you think the other players are likely to choose.
- If you are not sure which green apple card to choose, you can always ask the judge for help.
