How to Play Apples to Apples: A Comprehensive Guide
Apples to Apples is a hilarious and engaging party game that tests your wit, humor, and knowledge of pop culture (sort of). It’s easy to learn but offers endless replayability, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, game nights with friends, or even a casual icebreaker. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play and master Apples to Apples.
## What is Apples to Apples?
Apples to Apples is a card game where players take turns judging rounds. Each round, the judge plays a green apple card with an adjective on it (like “Romantic” or “Outrageous”). The other players then submit a red apple card from their hand that they think best matches the adjective. The judge then chooses the red apple card they find the most fitting, funny, or clever, and the player who submitted that card wins the round. The first player to win a predetermined number of rounds (usually 4-8) wins the game.
## What You’ll Need
* **Apples to Apples Card Set:** This is the core component. A standard Apples to Apples set includes:
* **Red Apple Cards (Noun Cards):** These cards contain nouns, places, people, or things. Players use these cards to try to match the adjective on the green apple card.
* **Green Apple Cards (Adjective Cards):** These cards contain adjectives that the judge uses to describe the red apple cards.
* **3-8 Players:** The game works best with a group of at least three people. More players generally lead to more laughs!
* **A Flat Surface:** A table or any flat surface where you can spread out the cards.
* **Scorekeeping Method (Optional):** You can use a pen and paper, tokens, or even just keep track mentally.
## Setting Up the Game
1. **Shuffle the Decks:** Separate the red apple cards from the green apple cards. Thoroughly shuffle each deck independently.
2. **Deal the Red Apple Cards:** Deal seven red apple cards to each player. These cards form their initial hand. Players should keep their hands concealed from other players.
3. **Choose the First Judge:** Decide who will be the first judge. This can be done randomly (e.g., youngest player goes first) or by agreement.
4. **Place the Decks:** Place both the red and green apple card decks face down within easy reach of all players.
## How to Play Apples to Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have everything set up, let’s dive into the gameplay:
**Round 1: The Judge Selects a Green Apple Card**
The judge for the round draws the top green apple card from the green apple deck and reads the adjective on the card aloud to all players. For example, the card might say “Delicious,” “Scary,” or “Heroic.”
**Round 2: Players Submit Red Apple Cards**
Each player (except the judge) selects one red apple card from their hand that they believe best matches the adjective on the green apple card. Players place their chosen red apple card face down in front of the judge. It’s important that players don’t show their cards to each other at this stage to avoid influencing the judge’s decision.
**Important Strategy Note:** When selecting a red apple card, consider the judge’s personality and sense of humor. What kind of response are they likely to find funny or appropriate? Sometimes the most obvious match isn’t the best one. Think outside the box!
**Round 3: The Judge Reveals and Chooses a Winner**
Once all players have submitted their red apple cards, the judge shuffles the submitted cards so they don’t know which player submitted which card. The judge then turns each card face up and reads them aloud, pairing them with the adjective on the green apple card. For example, if the green apple card is “Romantic” and the red apple cards are “Pizza,” “A Sunset,” and “My Grandma,” the judge would consider which of these is the most romantic.
The judge then chooses the red apple card they believe is the best match for the adjective. This decision is entirely subjective; the judge can choose based on humor, relevance, personal preference, or any other criteria they deem appropriate. The judge then announces the winning red apple card and who submitted it.
**Round 4: Awarding the Point**
The player who submitted the winning red apple card receives a point. This can be tracked using a pen and paper, tokens, or simply by remembering. Some versions of Apples to Apples include a discard pile for used red apple cards. You can place the used red apple cards into the discard pile after each round.
**Round 5: Drawing New Red Apple Cards**
After each round, players (except the judge) draw new red apple cards from the red apple deck until they have seven cards in their hand again. This ensures that players always have a fresh selection of cards to choose from.
**Round 6: Rotating the Judge**
After each round, the role of the judge rotates to the next player in a clockwise direction. This ensures that everyone gets a chance to be the judge and make the decisions.
**Repeat:**
Repeat rounds 1-6 until one player accumulates the predetermined number of points to win the game. Usually, this number is between 4 and 8, depending on the number of players and the desired length of the game.
## Winning the Game
The first player to reach the agreed-upon number of points wins the game. Congratulations! You are now an Apples to Apples champion!
## Apples to Apples Rules Variations and House Rules
While the basic rules of Apples to Apples are straightforward, there are several variations and house rules that can add a twist to the game. Here are a few popular options:
* **Voting:** Instead of one judge, have all players (except the person who played the green apple card) vote for their favorite red apple card. The card with the most votes wins the round. This can be a good option for larger groups or if you want to reduce the subjective nature of the game.
* **Blind Judging:** The judge doesn’t know which player submitted which card until after they’ve made their decision. This eliminates any potential bias based on who submitted the card.
* **Card Swapping:** Before each round, allow players to discard one or more red apple cards from their hand and draw new ones. This can help players get rid of cards that they don’t think are useful and increase their chances of having a good match.
* **Reverse Apples to Apples:** Instead of trying to match the adjective on the green apple card, players try to find the *worst* possible match. This can lead to some hilarious and unexpected combinations.
* **Themed Games:** Create your own themed decks of cards based on specific topics, such as movies, books, or historical events. This can add a layer of depth and interest to the game.
* **Double Points:** Designate certain green apple cards as “double point” cards. If a player wins a round with one of these cards, they receive two points instead of one. This can add an element of risk and reward to the game.
* **Play Your Own Adjective:** Allow each player, when it’s their turn to judge, to write their own adjective on a blank green apple card. This adds a personalized touch and can lead to some very creative and funny combinations.
* **Use Expansion Packs:** Invest in expansion packs to add more cards to the game, increasing the variety and replayability. Expansion packs often include themed cards or new variations on the rules.
* **Play Online:** Several websites and apps offer online versions of Apples to Apples. This is a great option for playing with friends and family who live far away.
## Tips and Strategies for Winning Apples to Apples
While Apples to Apples is largely a game of chance and subjective judgment, there are still some strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning:
* **Know Your Audience (Judge):** Pay attention to the judge’s personality, sense of humor, and interests. Try to choose red apple cards that you think they will find funny, clever, or relevant.
* **Think Outside the Box:** Sometimes the most obvious match isn’t the best one. Don’t be afraid to choose a red apple card that is unexpected or unconventional. A surprising choice can often be more memorable and amusing.
* **Read the Green Apple Card Carefully:** Make sure you understand the meaning of the adjective on the green apple card. Consider its nuances and connotations.
* **Consider the Context:** Think about the overall situation and the other players in the game. A card that might be funny in one context could be offensive or inappropriate in another.
* **Play to the Judge’s Ego:** A little bit of flattery can go a long way. If the judge is known for their intelligence, try to choose a card that demonstrates your own wit or knowledge.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Be Silly:** Apples to Apples is a game that’s meant to be fun. Don’t be afraid to let your sense of humor shine through. The silliest and most outrageous cards often win.
* **Pay Attention to the Discard Pile:** Keep track of the red apple cards that have already been played. This can help you avoid choosing a card that is too similar to one that has already been used.
* **Manage Your Hand:** Try to keep a balanced hand of red apple cards. Don’t hold onto cards that you don’t think are useful. Use the card swapping rule (if you’re using it) to get rid of cards that you don’t like.
* **Learn the Cards:** The more you play, the more familiar you’ll become with the red apple cards and their potential uses. This will help you make better choices in the future.
* **Have Fun!** Ultimately, Apples to Apples is a game that’s meant to be enjoyed. Don’t take it too seriously. Just relax, have fun, and let the laughs roll.
## Why Apples to Apples is so Popular
Apples to Apples has remained a popular party game for years, and its enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors:
* **Easy to Learn:** The rules are simple and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. No complicated strategies or complex gameplay mechanics are involved.
* **Hilarious and Engaging:** The game is inherently funny, as players come up with creative and unexpected combinations of red and green apple cards. It encourages interaction and laughter among players.
* **Highly Replayable:** With a large number of red and green apple cards, the game offers endless replayability. Each game is unique, as the combinations of cards and the personalities of the players create a new and unpredictable experience.
* **Suitable for All Ages:** Apples to Apples is generally appropriate for a wide range of ages, making it a great choice for family gatherings or parties with mixed-age groups. There are even junior versions available for younger children.
* **Customizable and Adaptable:** The game can be easily customized with house rules and variations to suit the preferences of the players. You can even create your own themed decks of cards to add a personal touch.
* **Promotes Creativity and Wit:** Apples to Apples encourages players to think creatively and use their wit to come up with the best matches. It’s a fun way to exercise your brain and test your sense of humor.
* **Social Interaction:** The game fosters social interaction and communication among players. It provides a platform for people to connect, laugh together, and share their perspectives.
## Conclusion
Apples to Apples is a fantastic party game that’s easy to learn, hilarious to play, and endlessly replayable. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for a family gathering, a game night with friends, or just a casual way to break the ice, Apples to Apples is sure to be a hit. So gather your friends, shuffle the decks, and get ready for some laughs! Now you are well-equipped to be the best player at your next gathering.