How to Play Scattergories

This is a quick and easy game to play at the beginning of a game night so people can get to know each other or can be played at all sorts of family gatherings. Has social interaction and it is fun to see how other people look at the same categories differently and how you are more alike with others.

A game originally published in the 80s.  You can find it under both Hasbro and Milton Bradley.  This is a great game for groups. Remember creativity counts! 

Overview

In the box you’ll find the instructions, 1 timer, 48 category cards, 1 alphabet dice, 6 pencils, answer sheets numbered 1-12, and 6 folders to hold the category card and answer sheets.

The game is played in 3 rounds. All players are trying to come up with unique answers for a given list of categories.  One point is given to each player that has a different answer for each category. The winner is the player or team who scores the most points. 

Timer

Rounds are 3 minutes long. On the timer, there are increment markers for a more challenging play at the 1 and 2 minute marks.

Category cards

Category cards have a numbered list with 12 items listed. Each player plays from the same numbered list for each round. 

Alphabet Die

A large 20 sided die which have alphabet letters engraved. Letters not included are Q, U, V, X, Y & Z. 

Answer Sheets

Each sheet is labeled 1-12, and each has room for 3 rounds. 

Game Folder

Answer sheets are placed in the game folders. Place the selected numbered list in the folder, faced up and adjacent to the answer sheet. 

Game setup

To begin, pass out to each player or team a pen or pencil and a folder with blank answer sheets.  

Game play

Decide which category list that will be in use for that round. All players play the same category.  One player rolls the alphabet die and lets all know which letter the players will be using. Start the three minute timer. 

 All answers must fit the category and must begin with the letter on the die. When time runs out, all players stop writing.

At the end of the round, each player reads their answers aloud from each category beginning with 1, circling all unique answers. Continue down the list until all 12 category answers have been read aloud. One point is given for each circled answer.  

After scoring the first round, move on to the second round.  The second round is played while using the same category sheet but the alphabet die is rerolled.  Game play is repeated for the second and third round.

Helpful hint: Skip categories you are having difficulty filling and move on.  If you have time, come back to the category. 

Rules for answers: 

• Acceptable answers include the first word of your answer, which must begin with the rolled letter. 
• Articles such as a, an, the, are not to be used at the beginning of answer. 
• You cannot use the same answer more than once in a round. For example, you can’t use Shelby both as a name and a city. 
• When answering with a proper name, you can use either the first or last name, as long as the first letter begins with the letter rolled. For example, for R, and the category is singer, you can use both Ray Charles or Robinson, Smokey. 
• Players can challenge an answer. At that time the challenged player explains how it fits in the category and then all players vote. Majority rules, if there is a tie the challenged player’s vote does not count.
• The first word of your answer must have the letter rolled on the die.

Winning the Game

At the end of each round, each player reads their answers aloud. Beginning with 1, each player reads their answer aloud. Circle all unique answers. Continue down the list until all 12 category answers have been read aloud. 

One point is given for each circled answer.  Play continues for 2 more rounds. Points are then tallied from all 3 rounds. Highest score wins.

Variations on the game: Score double points for repeating the rolled letter in the same answer. For example, Red Robin would get 2 points.