Playing games that challenge players to recite the alphabet backwards without making mistakes, sort a giant bowl of candy by color or build a tower with blocks can lead to hilarious results. These games are great for bringing out the competitive streak in people.
There are also funny games that require more skill, such as reciting a list of state capitals or reciting multiplication facts in a timed test. These games are great for creating a sense of achievement and are fun for people of all ages.
1. Make a Deal
If you've ever wondered why you keep losing to people when playing games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Rock, Paper, Scissors, it may be because they know the secret to winning. According to a new book by Tom Whipple, there are many strategies for winning at everything from Draughts to Monopoly.
He calls them "zonks" and explains how they work. The book also has tips for winning at a variety of other games and activities, from the least guessable word in Hangman to how to dominate at a pillow fight. If you've ever watched Let's Make a Deal, you'll have seen this technique in action. The show features members of the studio audience called "traders" who choose whether to keep a prize they already have or trade it for something better. Originally hosted by Monty Hall, the current series stars Wayne Brady as host. Keyboardist Cat Gray provides in-studio musical accompaniment.
2. Loaded Questions
Loaded questions (also known as leading questions) are questions that contain an assumption about the respondent. These assumptions are problematic because they can lead to false interpretations and hinder clear and truthful communication.
For example, “have you ever beaten your wife?” is a loaded question because it presupposes that the person being asked has been beating their wife. To properly respond to a loaded question, you need to recognize that the question is loaded and then explain why the answer you’re giving is different from the one that the asker is expecting.
In Loaded Questions, one player is the judge and rolls the die to move their game piece and then reads a question from a deck of questions. The other players write down their answers on answer sheets and the judge tries to match each player’s answers. The first player to correctly guess which answer belongs to which friend wins the round!
3. Snake Oil
A light and fun party game from Out of the Box, Snake Oil is a unique take on the submit and judge mechanic that many players are familiar with. Each player draws a customer card that describes who they are and then creates a product using word cards.
Unlike games like Cards Against Humanity that have you railroaded into a specific type of humor, Snake Oil allows players to use creativity to come up with some crazy products. After each player pitches their product, the customer chooses a winner and gives the winner the customer card to start the next round. If you're a fan of this game, check out the Party Potion expansion for more fun! Also, if you are looking for something more kid friendly, Out of the Box has a Snake Oil Kids version.
4. Words With Friends
In Words With Friends, players are dealt a rack of seven letters and attempt to form words on the board by either overlapping, playing alongside, or placing adjacent to an existing word. Each word formed is worth a different amount of points depending on its letters, with lower value letters being less common and higher value letters being more difficult to use.
There are a few different strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning in Words With Friends, including using hooks and two-letter words. Having an extensive vocabulary is also helpful, but knowing how to make the most of certain letters and words can really give you an edge.
Another great strategy is to study your opponent’s play style and try to predict what they will do next. This can help you plan ahead and avoid giving them any opportunities to score high-value squares.
5. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity is a popular party game with a dark sense of humor. The rules are somewhat flexible, and players must use their creativity to win. While this may be a disadvantage for some, it also makes the game more fun.
When a prompt is drawn, the Card Czar reads it out loud and each player selects a white card with a response to the prompt. The card that is deemed the funniest wins a point.
A common mistake that many players make is to submit boring cards. Instead, try to be creative and play cards that are not just funny but also shock the other players. This will get you more points and laughs. Also, try to avoid the sex cards. They don’t always play well with people that are uncomfortable with explicit humor.
6. Backwards Alphabets
Tom Whipple’s wildly popular TikTok videos have revealed how to win games such as Hangman, Monopoly and even a simulated gunfight. He has a surgeon offering tips on Operation, a Formula 1 driver dissecting Scalextric and an ex-SAS soldier explaining how to dominate a pillow fight.
While remembering the alphabet forwards comes naturally, it’s not so easy to learn it backwards. Using simple mnemonic tricks such as recalling images for each letter and creating a story can help. Practice reciting your story until you can do it without thinking.
Minute to win it games often involve a quick task with a quirky twist of difficulty, such as stacking a cup or transferring candy from one bowl to another. The player or team with the most points at the end of the minute wins. This can be a great way to break down barriers between friends.
7. Battle of the Bands
Music is powerful and can bring people together. It can also evoke emotions and reveal truths that aren’t always obvious. However, it’s not just about talent—musicians need the right tools to be effective. Whether it’s an instrument that stays in tune or a keyboard that sounds realistic, having the right gear can make all the difference.
The battle of the bands is a popular competition in which musicians compete to win a prize. It is typically judged by a panel of experts and often includes prizes such as recording time or a support slot for a larger band.
Third World Games has a tongue-in-cheek card game called Battle of the Bands that gives players a glimpse into the music business. Players build their bands by recruiting members and equipping them with instruments. They then race to get a set number of "Superstar Points" through paid gigs and hit singles.
