How to Play Apples to Apples: A Comprehensive Guide to Hilarious Card Combinations

Apples to Apples is a wildly popular party game that’s guaranteed to spark laughter and ridiculous scenarios. Its simple premise – comparing adjectives to nouns – makes it easy for anyone to pick up and play, while the potential for unexpected and hilarious card combinations keeps players engaged for hours. If you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become an Apples to Apples aficionado.

What is Apples to Apples?

At its core, Apples to Apples is a card game of comparisons and comedic timing. It’s designed for 4 or more players (although it can be adapted for fewer) and involves two types of cards: Red Apple cards and Green Apple cards. Red Apple cards feature nouns (things, people, places), while Green Apple cards contain adjectives (describing words). Players take turns acting as the “judge” and choose the Red Apple card that best matches the Green Apple cards submitted by other players. The game is less about perfect matches and more about subjective humor and creative associations.

What You’ll Need:

• Apples to Apples Card Deck: The game comes with a set of Red Apple cards and a set of Green Apple cards. You’ll need a complete set to play.
• 3-10+ Players: While the box usually recommends 4+, the game can be adapted for fewer players but it is best with a larger group. The more, the merrier!
• A flat surface to play on: This could be a table, the floor, or any other suitable area.

Setting Up the Game:

Before you can dive into the hilarious chaos, you need to properly set up the game. Here’s how:

1. Shuffle the Decks: Thoroughly shuffle both the Red Apple card deck and the Green Apple card deck separately. This ensures random card distribution and keeps the game unpredictable.
2. Deal the Green Apple Cards: Deal seven Green Apple cards face down to each player. These will be the cards each player uses to make comparisons during each round.
3. Place the Remaining Decks: Place the remaining Green Apple cards face down in a stack to form the draw pile. Similarly, place the remaining Red Apple cards face down in a separate pile (also the draw pile).
4. Choose the First Judge: Decide who will be the first judge (often through a random method such as rock-paper-scissors or simply picking someone at random). The judge role rotates after each round.

How to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the game is set up, the gameplay is quite straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each round:

1. The Judge Reveals the Red Apple Card: The player chosen as the judge begins the round by taking the top card from the Red Apple card deck and placing it face-up in the center of the playing area. This card will be the subject of comparison for the round.
2. Players Select Green Apple Cards: The other players (not the judge) then look at the seven Green Apple cards in their hand. They must choose the one Green Apple card that they believe best describes or relates to the Red Apple card that the judge has revealed. Players usually choose based on humor or clever associations but a straight match is also acceptable. Each player selects a card and places it face down in a pile in front of the judge. It is important not to reveal the chosen card to other players.
3. The Judge Reviews the Green Apple Cards: Once everyone has submitted their Green Apple card, the judge picks up the pile and shuffles them to ensure anonymity. The judge then reveals each Green Apple card one by one reading the text aloud.
4. The Judge Chooses the Winning Card: The judge carefully considers each Green Apple card that was submitted, based on how well it matches the Red Apple card. This is entirely subjective and there is no right or wrong answer. The judge chooses the Green Apple card that he or she thinks is the best fit. This can be based on how funny, creative or accurate the match is. Humor is definitely the key to success here.
5. The Winner Receives the Red Apple Card: The player who submitted the Green Apple card chosen by the judge receives the Red Apple card. This Red Apple card serves as a point for the player.
6. Discard and Draw: All Green Apple cards used for the round are placed face up in a discard pile. Players then draw new green apple cards from the draw pile so that they each have 7 cards at the start of each new round.
7. The Role of Judge Rotates: The judge position moves to the next player in a clockwise (or counter clockwise) direction and the game continues.

Winning the Game:

The game continues until a player reaches a predetermined number of Red Apple cards (points). Typically, this number is 4, 5 or 7. The number can be changed depending on how long you want the game to last. The first player to reach the set number of points is declared the winner! However, most players will agree that winning isn’t as important as the shared laughs that result from the crazy combinations of cards. It is a game that focuses more on social interactions than on complex strategies.

Strategies for Success (or at Least Maximum Humor):

While Apples to Apples isn’t a game of complex strategy, there are a few tactics that can help you either win or generate the most laughs:

• Know Your Audience: Pay attention to the judge’s sense of humor. What made them laugh in previous rounds? Adapt your card choices accordingly. If the judge likes absurd humor, try to find the most outlandish connections you can.
• Think Outside the Box: Don’t be afraid to make unexpected and creative connections. The most obvious match isn’t always the funniest one. Sometimes the least logical associations result in the most amusing scenarios.
• Pay Attention to the Card Meanings: Sometimes, playing the obvious match can actually be a good strategy. If the Red Apple card is straightforward, a clear and accurate match might win over the judges.
• Embrace the Absurd: This game thrives on silliness. Don’t be afraid to play your most ridiculous cards. The goal is to create funny combinations.
• Play to your strengths: If you feel that you have a very particular type of humour, try to use those cards. The more comfortable you are with your humor, the better you will be able to play.

Variations and House Rules:

Apples to Apples is flexible and encourages house rules and variations. Here are some popular options:

• “House Rules”: Feel free to add your own personal rules. The great thing about Apples to Apples is that the rules can be customised and changed to suit you.
• “Pick Two”: Instead of choosing one Green Apple card, players choose two. The judge then selects one of those pairs as the winner, adding a different twist to the strategy.
• “Apples to Apples Challenge”: After a card is selected as a winner, the judge can choose to challenge this choice and select a different card if he or she can justify this choice with a good explanation. This can add to the discussion and debate, which is all part of the fun.
• “Themed Rounds”: Players can decide on specific themes for each round, limiting the Green Apple cards that can be played. This encourages more creativity.
• Timed Rounds: You can implement a time limit for selecting Green Apple cards, increasing the speed and often hilarity of the game. When a timer is added this can create an element of panic among the players making for more silly choices.
• Alternative Point Systems: Instead of winning a card, keep track of points in a notebook or on a whiteboard, and change the scoring system as needed.

Adapting Apples to Apples for Fewer Players:

Apples to Apples is best with a larger group of players, but it can still be enjoyed with a smaller group of 2 or 3 players. Here’s how to adapt it:

• Multiple Hands: Each player controls multiple hands. This ensures there are enough cards being played. You might control two hands each for example.
• “Dummy” Hands: Create “dummy” hands, where you select Green Apple cards for these fictitious hands. This is another method to ensure a varied selection of cards for the judge to choose from.
• Focus on the Fun: With fewer players, you may want to focus less on the competitive aspect and more on the hilarious combinations you can make.

Tips for a More Enjoyable Game:

• Be Inclusive: Apples to Apples is a game of shared fun. Be considerate of everyone playing, and avoid choosing cards that might be offensive or hurtful.
• Don’t Take it Too Seriously: The game is meant to be lighthearted. Don’t get caught up in trying to win – focus on having a good time and sharing laughs with your friends.
• Mix It Up: Change the rules and play style from time to time to keep things fresh and interesting. Variation can make the game more engaging.
• Keep it Moving: To maintain the fun and laughter, keep the game moving at a good pace. The quicker the round is over, the better the flow of the game.
• Play in a Relaxed Setting: Choose a comfortable and informal place to play. This makes it more relaxing for everyone and helps encourage creativity.
• Use Variations: As mentioned earlier, adding different rules and variations to the game can make it even more engaging for the players.

Conclusion:

Apples to Apples is a fantastic party game that brings people together through laughter and ridiculous card combinations. Its simple rules and infinite replayability make it a staple for any game night. With this guide, you now have all the knowledge you need to jump in and start playing. Remember, it’s not about winning – it’s about embracing the absurd and enjoying the fun with your friends. So gather your friends, shuffle the decks, and get ready to experience the hilarious chaos of Apples to Apples!