How to Play Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is a fast, funny party game that’s great when friends or family want to laugh and compare ideas. If you like silly answers and light competition, this guide will get you playing quickly — and you can find more Playmore guides at Playmore for other party games.
Quick facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game | Apples to Apples |
| Type | Party comparison card game |
| Typical players | 4–10 |
| Deck or components | Use the components included with the game |
| Beginner focus | Simple judge-and-match rules and family-friendly play |
| Collection | popular-games |
What you are trying to do
The basic goal is to win rounds by having the judge pick your card as the best match to a prompt. Each round one player acts as judge and compares the answers that everyone else plays. The exact winning condition (for example, how many rounds to win the game) can vary by edition or house rule, so check the linked official or regional rules for the exact version you have.
What you need and how to set up
Use the cards and components that come in the box. You do not need a special deck beyond the game set. Pick a player to be the first judge. Shuffle the two card piles if your edition separates prompts and answers, then deal each non-judge player a starting hand as the rulebook describes. Keep the judge without cards to play that round. Place discard piles and draw piles where everyone can reach them.
How to play
- Reveal a prompt card. The judge flips a prompt (often an adjective or description) and reads it aloud so everyone knows what they should match.
- Choose and play a card. Each other player selects a single answer card from their hand that they think best fits the prompt. Play it face down to keep choices secret.
- Judge mixes and reads. The judge collects the played cards, shuffles them so choices stay anonymous, then turns them face up and reads them aloud.
- Judge picks a winner. The judge chooses the answer they like best for that prompt. The chosen player collects the prompt card or another token that represents a point, depending on your edition.
- Refill hands. Players who played cards draw back up to the hand size stated in the rules or by your house rule.
- Rotate the judge. Pass the judge role to the next player and start a new round.
How a round or game ends
Each round ends when the judge picks a winning answer. The game ends according to the edition’s rule for victory (often when a player has a set number of prompt cards) or when the group decides to stop. Because editions and house rules differ, check the linked official or regional rules or the in-box instructions for the exact win condition for your copy.
Beginner tips
- Play to the judge’s taste. Humor, honesty, or surprise can all win depending on who’s judging.
- Keep an eye on other players’ styles. If someone always picks silly answers, lean into jokes when they judge.
- Use house rules if you want faster games. Shorten the target score or set a time limit for a quick session.
- Avoid repeating the same winning card. Fresh or unexpected matches often do better with groups who play many rounds.
FAQ
How many people do I need to play?
Four players is a good minimum to keep choices interesting. The game supports larger groups up to around ten, which makes for more varied answers.
Can the judge vote for themselves?
No. The judge evaluates the other players’ cards only. The judge should not submit an answer while they are judging that round.
What if people disagree about a winner?
The judge’s choice is final to keep play moving. If your group prefers, use a group vote or rotate a tie-break judge as a house rule.