Scattergories is a creative-thinking category-based party game originally published by Hasbro. The game is designed for 4-10 players and involves coming up with unique words that fit certain criteria, all starting with a randomly chosen letter. The game's rules are straightforward, making it accessible to a wide range of players, but mastering the art of generating unique and valid words within the time limit is where the challenge and fun lie.
Objective of the Game
The primary objective of Scattergories is to come up with words that fit into predefined categories, all of which must start with the same letter. This letter is determined by a roll of a die with letters on it. For example, if the letter “T” is rolled, players must think of words in categories like “Animals,” “Countries,” or “Food” that start with “T.” The goal is to be the first player to think of a word that meets the criteria in each category without repeating any words that other players have already written down.
Setup and Preparation
Before starting the game, each player should have a piece of paper and a pen. The Scattergories game set typically includes a set of category cards, a die with letters, and a timer. The category cards will list the categories for the round (e.g., Movie Title, Sport, Chemical Element), and the die will determine the starting letter for all answers in that round. Players should familiarize themselves with the categories and understand that all answers must start with the same letter.
| Category | Example Answer with Letter "T" |
|---|---|
| Animals | Tiger |
| Countries | Turkey |
| Food | Tacos |
Gameplay
Once the letter and categories are determined, the timer is started, and players begin writing down their answers. The time limit varies but is usually around 3 minutes per round. During this time, players must come up with as many unique words as possible that fit each category and start with the designated letter. It’s crucial to remember that no player can use the same word twice within the same category.
Scoring
After the time limit expires, players compare their answers. For each category, players earn points for answers that no other player has written down. Typically, a unique answer is worth a certain number of points, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins. In cases where two or more players write down the same answer, neither player receives points for that answer in that category.
Key Points for Playing Scattergories
- Choose a random letter to start each round.
- Players must think of words that fit each category and start with the chosen letter.
- No player can use the same word twice in the same category.
- Points are awarded for unique answers not duplicated by other players.
- The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds, and the player with the most points wins.
Tips for Winning
To excel at Scattergories, players should have a broad knowledge base and the ability to think creatively under pressure. Being familiar with a wide range of topics, from history and science to entertainment and culture, can provide an edge. Additionally, the ability to come up with less obvious answers quickly can significantly increase a player’s chances of earning points.
Common Challenges
One of the most significant challenges in Scattergories is the time pressure. Players must balance the need to think of as many answers as possible with the risk of spending too much time on a single category and not having enough time for others. Another challenge is avoiding the most obvious answers, as these are likely to be duplicated by other players.
What happens if two players write down the same answer?
+In cases where two or more players write down the same answer, neither player receives points for that answer in that category. This rule encourages players to think of unique answers.
How many players can play Scattergories?
+Scattergories is designed for 4 to 10 players, making it a great party game for small to medium-sized groups.
What is the objective of the game?
+The objective of Scattergories is to come up with unique words that fit certain categories, all starting with a randomly chosen letter, without duplicating answers given by other players.
By understanding the rules and strategies of Scattergories, players can enhance their gaming experience and improve their chances of winning. The game’s unique blend of creativity, knowledge, and time pressure makes it an engaging and entertaining activity for groups of friends and family.
