Scattergories

Overview

Roll a letter, then think of an answer starting with it for each category on your list. You only score for answers nobody else wrote.

Checked against Hasbro's Classic Scattergories instructions (F6795, ©2023). Older boxes may differ in detail.

1. Setup

2 to 6 players. Decide which numbered category list to play. Each player takes a list with that number, an answer sheet, a folder to hold them, and a pen.

2. A round

The game is four rounds. In each:

1. Roll the 20-sided letter die and call out the letter.
2. Flip the 3-minute timer. Everyone plays at once.
3. Write one answer for each category, all beginning with that letter, in one column of your answer sheet. Keep your ideas to yourself.
4. Time's up: stop writing immediately.
5. Score, one category at a time, taking turns to read your answers aloud.

For the next round you can keep the same list or choose a new one, then roll a new letter and use a fresh column.

3. Scoring

1 point for each acceptable answer that no one else wrote. Write the round's score at the top of the column. After four rounds, the highest total wins.

4. Acceptable answers

• The first word must begin with the letter rolled.
• A, an and the don't count as first letters.
• You can't use the same answer twice in one round. Write "elephant" for Animals and you can't use it again for Heavy Things.
• Creative answers are welcome, but they may be challenged.

5. Challenges

Anyone can challenge an answer. All players vote, including the one being challenged, and the majority decides. If the vote is tied, the challenged player's vote doesn't count.

6. Variations in the rules

• Two answers: write up to two answers per category, using the whole answer sheet for one round. Each acceptable, unique answer scores a point.
• Double points: score 2 points for an answer that repeats the letter, such as "coffee cup" for C.

Commonly argued

• Duplicate answers score nothing for anyone.
• "The" doesn't count as the first letter.
• Four rounds, not three.
• Everyone votes on a challenge, including the player challenged.
• Bonus points for repeating the letter are a variation, not the standard game, and they're worth 2 points, not one per word.