Apples to Apples Game Description

Game Pieces

• Each Apples to Apples game includes red apple cards and green apple cards. Red apple cards contain the name of a person, place, thing or event. The card title is listed on the side, and a definition, quote or funny phrase that matches the title is written on the bottom. The green apple cards are titled with a word that describes a person, place thing or event. These cards have the title written on the top and three synonyms written on the bottom.

Set Up

• Shuffle the cards keeping red and green cards separated. Pick one player to act as the judge for the first round. The judge deals seven red cards to each player including himself. Players should hold the cards in their hands so they can see the titles on the left side of the cards.

Beginning the Game

• To begin the round, the judge takes the top card off of the green apple stack. He reads the word out loud, as well as the three synonyms to give more definition. Every player, except the judge, chooses the card from his hand that he thinks best describes the green apple card. The red apple card may be a serious, funny or silly match for the judge's card. Some judges choose the funniest or most awkward red apple card, so it helps to keep in mind who is acting as judge for the round. Red cards must be placed faced down in the center of the table.

Winning the Game

• Once all red cards have been played, the judge picks up the cards, shuffles them and reads them aloud. Players are allowed to try to convince the judge to pick a certain red card. The judge then chooses the card that he thinks best matches the word on the green card. He gives the green card to the to the player whose card was picked. The person to the judge's left now becomes the judge for the next round of play. The new judge deals one card to each player, keeping the number of cards in their hand at seven, and a new round begins. The first player to win eight (or another pre-determined amount) green apple cards wins the game.