Pictionary Strategy

Being "In Tune"

• In Pictionary, it is important for players to be "in tune" with their teammates. For example, if a player is assigned to draw a compound word (a word made up by two separate words, such as "raincheck"), he should try to communicate the word by drawing it in two parts. A player should tell his teammates before he draws that if he draws two different sketches, he is trying to indicate to them that the word they are trying to guess is a compound word.

Start With Telling Aspects

• The person designated to draw should always begin their sketches with the most telling part of the drawing. If the assigned word is "car," begin with the wheels and work from there. If the word is "cat," begin with recognizable features such as the face and whiskers. Because there is a time limit on each team's turn, it is important to keep sketches simple. It is also important to listen to teammates while drawing. If a team member gets part of a phrase correct, begin working from there. For example, if the card says "voicemail" and your partners have already guessed "mail," draw a person with an arrow pointing to the throat to try to indicate the word "voice."

Using Common Symbols

• In Pictionary, the drawing of letters or numbers is generally disallowed. However, the use of commonly understood symbols is considered fair game. When it is your turn to draw for your team, try to incorporate symbols that your teammates may recognize. For example, if you are to draw the word "brother," draw two boy figures side-by-side with a plus sign in between. Or draw a four leaf clover for the word "luck."

Use Your Imagination

• The key to Pictionary is to think fast and to toss out ideas, even if they seem random in retrospect. Once a teammate begins drawing, use your imagination to voice words or phrases that the preliminary phase of the drawing inspire.