the science of play at work
Apples to Apples
May the best word association win
PLAYERS
Minimum:
4
Maximum:
8
Ideal:
6
EXPERIENCE
Duration:
Medium
Physical:
Yes
Virtual:
No
CLASSIFICATION
Genre:
Party
Dynamic 1:
Dynamic 2:
Interpersonal / Social
Adaptability
COMPLEXITY
To Play:
Simple
To Setup:
Simple
To Custom:
Intermediate
MATRIX
Instinct:
Feel
Intent:
What
BONDING
Materials
VIRTUAL SETUP
Physical Setup
First, shuffle the two decks separately, then place the green deck in the center of play.
Next, deal each player 5 red cards and place that deck in the middle of play.
Finally, determine who will be the first judge for the first round.
Virtual Setup
There isn't a simple way to play this game online, but it's possible to recreate the pieces using a tool like Miro or give everyone access to their own red deck to draw from. If there's a non-playing facilitator, they can collect cards and preserve the anonymity of the red cards.
Gameplay
Round 1: The judge flips a green card to reveal the adjective. Players play 1 red card from their hand (face down) in front of the judge. The goal is to choose something that would resonate with them. When all cards are in, the judge reads them aloud and selects the best entry. The player who played it collects the green card as a way of keeping score.
Round 2+: The judge rotates clockwise, and the same process is used.
Endgame: When a player has collected 3 green cards, they are the winner.
Variations
Related Games: Cards Against Humanity or Dixit.
Knockout: Instead of playing to 3 green cards, eliminate players for the worst answer. Last man standing wins.
Pulse Check
Q. Does everyone seem open to keep playing? Are the disengaged able to be more engaged?
Q. Are people having fun — smiling, laughing, in deep thought?
Q. Do you hear productive strategizing about how to improve round-to-round?
BUILDING
Feel
Position the reflection around sensory and emotional responses to certain options or ideas:
Were you satisfied with the level of engagement from your team members?
What made you feel respected and valued during the game?
When did the game have the most energy? The most tension?
What
Position the reflection around goals and metrics, as well as the skills and roles to succeed:
What is one thing about you that would help your team members work with you better?
Did this game give you ideas about how to better advocate for yourself?
What strengths and talents did you witness, and how could the team better leverage them?