Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples - A game of comparisons for the whole family.

 

I don't use Apples to Apples often in therapy, but it is one of my family's favorite games and we often play it when we have a get-together. Apples to Apples is one of those games that even reluctant game players will play and always results in laughter and a good time for us. The more people that play the better, and there is no down time or waiting between turns for anyone. There are no wrong answers and you won't be put on the spot to know trivia. Lots of reasons to like it!

As you can see below, there are several different versions and we have played most of them. First I will describe the original game (red box), then I'll give a little info about each version.

This game consists of two kinds of cards: red cards and green cards (see image below). The red cards each have one name of a person, place, thing or event. The green cards each have a word that describes a person, place, thing or event. 

Object:
Be the first player to earn 4 green cards.

Set up:
Separate the cards by type. Shuffle the cards. Deal seven red cards, face down, to each player. Stack the rest of the cards on the playing surface. We usually make several smaller stacks and place them at the ends of the table so there is no long-distance reaching necessary. Pick a player to be the first judge.

Play:
The judge takes the top green card off the deck, places it face up in the middle of the table and reads it aloud. The rest of the players each look at their cards and choose the one they think is most like the green card. Each player places his card face down on the table. Think about the judge and how they think. You can go for serious, funny, outrageous, whatever you think will appeal to the judge so that he will choose your card as the best match. When all cards are in the middle, the judge will turn them face up one at a time and read them aloud. He will then choose the card he likes the best. The judge does not have to defend his answer and no questions asked. The one he picks is final. The person who put down the chosen card gets it back and now has one card toward the four he needs to win. Play continues around the table, with players taking turns being the judge, until someone earns four cards and wins the game.

Apples to Apples Party Box

Other versions of Apples to Apples:

Apples to Apples Party Box - This is the original game. It's called the Party Edition because it has a lot more cards (1000+) than the original game to accommodate a big group, which equals a lot more combinations.

Apples to Apples Kids 7+ - Cards feature content for young kids. Fewer cards (263) than the other games.

Apples to Apples Bible Edition - Cards are related to Christians and Biblical history.

Apples to Apples Freestyle -Contents much different than the other games. Includes cards with a single unfinished statement (ex. You should always run when you hear ______.) Includes 4 small erasable boards and erasable markers to write your answer.

Apples to Apples Junior -576 cards with content for kids and youth 9+ years.

Apples to Apples To Go - 270 red apple cards, 90 green apple cards. Comes in a portable 8" x 8" box with a handy handle.

Sour Apples to Apples - The best comparison wins and the worst comparison has to spin the sour apple to find out their fate. Fates include the benefit of playing two red cards in the next round, not talking for a round and losing a red card out of your hand.

Trendy Apples to Apples -Content is more pop culture. Includes things like  photo bombing, kickstarter, groupons, doggie day care and Siri. Fewer cards.

Apples to Apples Family - Family friendly content, suitable for all ages.

Apples to Apples Dice - 1 20-sided green die and 6 6-sided red dice. Both dice have letters only. Judge chooses his own topic depending on the letter thrown on the big die. Next players each throw a 6-sided die to determine a letter they will use for an appropriate noun.

Big Picture Apples to Apples- 463 picture cards instead of red cards. Also includes 7 blank cards for you to draw your own pictures. A fun change.

Apples to Apples is on my list of fall games. To see a list of other fall-themed games, click here.

• Work on dealing/fanning/holding cards, manual dexterity, socialization skills, comparisons, executive functioning skills, process skills, play and leisure exploration and participation

In the box: Varies per game, but most games have red apple cards and green apple cards. Several games include card trays.