Apples to Apples is a party game where players match red apple cards (nouns) to green apple cards (adjectives) in the most creative or humorous way. It works because it is simple to learn, works for any group size, and rewards quick thinking and a good sense of humor. This guide gives you the complete rules, setup, and tips to run a smooth, fun game night.
Ingredients
- 1 Apples to Apples base game (or party edition) – includes 756 red apple cards and 252 green apple cards
- 4 to 10 players (more if you combine expansions)
- 1 judge’s tray (included in the game)
- 1 timer (optional, for rounds that drag)
- Snacks and drinks (optional, for a casual game night)
Instructions
- Setup: Shuffle the red apple cards and deal 7 to each player. Place the green apple cards face down in the center of the table within reach of the judge. Choose one player to be the first judge (also called the “reader” or “czar”).
- Judge draws a green card: The judge draws one green apple card from the top of the deck and reads the adjective aloud to all players. For example, “Sparkling” or “Terrifying.”
- Players choose a red card: Each player (except the judge) looks at their hand of 7 red cards and selects the one they think best matches the green card adjective. They place it face down on the table. The judge should not see who played which card.
- Judge collects and shuffles: The judge collects all played red cards, shuffles them, and then reveals them one by one, reading each noun aloud. For example, “Mud,” “Diamonds,” “Your Grandmother.”
- Judge picks a winner: The judge chooses the red card they think is the best, funniest, or most creative match for the green card adjective. The player who played that card wins the round and takes the green card as a point.
- Refill hands: All players draw a new red card from the deck to return to 7 cards. The player who won the round becomes the new judge for the next round.
- Continue playing: Play continues until one player collects a set number of green cards – typically 4 for a quick game, 7 for a longer game. The player with the most green cards at the end wins.
- End of game: When the target number is reached, the game ends immediately and that player is declared the winner. For a longer game, you can play until the green deck runs out.
Tips
- Know your audience: If playing with kids, remove cards that are too mature or obscure. The base game is family-friendly, but some red cards may be unfamiliar to younger players.
- Keep the pace moving: If a player takes too long to choose a red card, set a 30-second timer. This keeps the game energetic and prevents analysis paralysis.
- Encourage creativity: The judge should not always pick the most literal match. Reward funny or unexpected combinations – that’s what makes the game memorable.
- House rules: Some groups play that the judge can ask for a “replay” if they get duplicate red cards. Others allow players to bluff with a card that doesn’t match at all for humor. Agree on house rules before starting.
Serving Suggestions
Apples to Apples is best served as the centerpiece of a casual gathering. Pair it with light snacks that don’t require much attention, like popcorn, pretzels, or veggie sticks. It works great as an icebreaker at parties, a family game night staple, or a classroom activity. For adults, it pairs well with a beverage of choice, but always remember to drink responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age.
Variations
- Apples to Apples Party Box: A larger version with more cards and a “party” twist, including blank cards for custom entries.
- Apples to Apples Junior: A simplified version for younger children, with easier nouns and adjectives.
- Custom cards: Write your own red or green cards on blank index cards to add personal jokes or inside references.
- Timed rounds: For a faster game, give players only 15 seconds to choose a red card. This increases pressure and often leads to funnier results.
- Team play: For larger groups, form teams of two and have them discuss their choice together. This works well for parties with 10+ people.
Storage and Reheating
Store the game in its original box, keeping red and green cards separated by the included dividers. Keep the box in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent card warping. The game has no expiration; it can be played repeatedly. If cards get bent or marked, you can use card sleeves to protect them. No reheating needed – just shuffle and play again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can play Apples to Apples? The base game is designed for 4 to 10 players, but you can play with as few as 3 (with one judge and two players) or as many as 20 by combining expansions or using a larger group with team play. The game scales well because only the judge changes each round.
What if I don’t have the official game? You can play a DIY version with index cards: write nouns on red cards and adjectives on green cards. This works well for custom themes, but the official game has a curated set of cards that are tested for humor and variety.
Can I play with children? Yes, the base game is family-friendly, but some red cards may be too obscure for young kids. The Junior version is designed for ages 7 and up, with simpler words and images. For mixed-age groups, you can pre-sort cards to remove challenging ones.
What happens if the green deck runs out? If you run out of green cards before reaching the target number, the player with the most green cards at that point wins. Alternatively, you can reshuffle the used green cards and continue.
How long does a typical game last? A standard game to 4 green cards takes about 15–20 minutes. Playing to 7 cards can take 30–45 minutes, depending on group size and how much deliberation happens. The game is flexible – you can stop anytime.
Can I play with more than one judge? In the standard rules, only one judge per round. For a cooperative twist, you can have two judges who must agree on a winner, but this slows the game down. It’s best to stick with one judge for speed.
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