Party Games
How to play Scattergories
Write unique category answers beginning with a shared letter. Matching answers in the same category cancel each other.
What you need
Category lists, answer sheets, pencils, letter die, rolling board and timer
Set up the game
- Everyone uses the same twelve-category list and hides their writing. Roll a letter and set the timer.
- Use the list for three rounds with a different letter each round; reroll letters already used.
Playing Scattergories
- Write answers that fit each category and start with the rolled letter. Stop writing when the timer ends.
- Read responses category by category. Each valid unmatched answer scores one. Add three rounds; highest wins. Tied leaders play an extra round with a fresh letter.
- Ignore initial A, An and The in titles. First or last names may lead a person’s answer if the written answer begins with the letter. Do not reuse an identical response in two categories that round.
- Challenge during scoring. All players vote; majority rules. If tied, disregard the challenged player’s vote.
Correct but canceled
For letter B and animals, two players write bear while another writes badger. Bear is valid but scores zero for both matching players. Badger scores one. The player cannot reuse badger in another category that round.
Agree on the tone
A family group should know whether humorous interpretations are welcome before anyone sees a disputed response. The printed vote settles individual challenges; it does not let the loudest player use a different standard for each opponent. Reading categories aloud before the timer is a useful teaching adaptation, separate from a timed round.
Choose an answer, then move on
A very unusual response is useful only if you finish writing it in time. When two plausible options occur, write one and advance to the next blank. You can reconsider at the end. This keeps the timed task focused on the whole list instead of turning one difficult category into the entire round.
Beginner decisions
- Fill categories you can answer immediately, then return to hard ones. Spending half the timer hunting an unusual river can sacrifice several easy points.
- Prefer a distinctive answer you can explain clearly over an adjective added only to force a familiar object under the letter.
Common rule mix-ups
- Scoring a duplicate because it is correct.
- Automatically awarding alliteration bonuses from an optional variation.
Questions about this game
Does unique mean valid?
No. The category and letter requirements still apply.
Can I edit?
Only before time expires.
Sources and edition notes
Classic Milton Bradley/Hasbro 04917, 1988 instructions. Repeated-initial bonuses are optional in this sheet.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
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