Party Games
How to play Telestrations
Pass sketchbooks through alternating drawings and guesses, then reveal how the idea changed. Scoring is optional; artistic skill is not a prerequisite.
What you need
A sketchbook and dry-erase marker per player, plus prompt cards
Set up the game
- Each player selects a card prompt and secretly writes it in their named book. With an even player count draw your own first; with an odd count pass left before the first drawing. This makes every book finish with a guess.
Playing Telestrations
- Sketch the prompt without letters or numbers. Turn forward to hide it, then wait.
- Pass together left. The receiver studies only the preceding drawing and writes a guess, then hides it.
- Next person draws that guess without looking back at the original. Alternate until each book returns to its owner.
- Reveal pages in order. Enjoy the changes or use an agreed printed scoring option for three rounds.
The wrong guess becomes the next drawing’s truth
A lighthouse drawing is mistaken for a castle. The next player should draw a castle rather than peek at the secret to correct it. When the book returns, that change belongs in the reveal, not a canceled round. Drawing skill matters less than keeping each link independent.
Friendly scoring
After revealing your book, award one point each to its favorite sketch and guess, and one to yourself if the final guess matches the secret prompt. Most points after three rounds wins. Competitive scoring is another printed option; choose one system and apply it consistently.
Beginner decisions
- Draw one defining feature before adding background; a clear silhouette can communicate more than a crowded scene.
- Write a concrete guess even if uncertain. A question mark gives the next artist no idea to draw.
Common rule mix-ups
- Looking back to repair an earlier misunderstanding.
- Adding a written label to rescue a drawing.
Questions about this game
Does this box need a sand timer?
No compulsory timer appears in the 2025 rules. Older editions include timed drawing.
Can we choose a category?
The sheet offers choosing a starred category and inventing individual prompts within it.
Sources and edition notes
The Op 8-player Second Edition, 2025: self-selected prompts, no die or compulsory timer. Older timed editions differ.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
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