Apples to Apples Complete Guide: Word Association Party Game

Apples to Apples is a hilarious word association party game where players match noun cards to an adjective card selected by the judge. The winner of each round is decided by the judge's personal opinion, making it as much about knowing the judge as about the words themselves. With over 15 million copies sold, it is a staple of parties and family gatherings.

Game Components

What's in the Box

• Red Apple Cards (nouns): 324 cards featuring people, places, things, and events
• Green Apple Cards (adjectives): 108 cards featuring descriptive words
• Designed for 4-10 players (best with 5-8)
• Typical game duration 30-60 minutes

How to Play

Setup

1. Shuffle both decks separately.
2. Deal 7 Red Apple Cards (nouns) face-down to each player.
3. Place both decks within easy reach of all players.

Taking a Turn

1. The judge for the round flips over one Green Apple Card (adjective) and reads it aloud.
2. All other players (not the judge) look at their Red Apple Cards and choose the one they think best matches the adjective.
3. Players place their chosen card face-down in front of the judge.
4. The judge shuffles the submitted cards, then reads each noun aloud with the adjective.
5. The judge picks the one they think is the best match (most creative, funniest, or most accurate).
6. The player who submitted the winning card receives the Green Apple Card as a point.
7. The role of judge rotates clockwise to the next player.
8. All players draw a new Red Apple Card to replace the one they played.

Winning

The first player to collect a target number of Green Apple Cards wins:

Strategy Tips

1. Know Your Judge

• The key to winning is understanding what the current judge finds funny, clever, or appealing.
• A card that wins with one judge may lose with another.
• Adjust your play style every round based on who is judging.
• Some judges prefer literal matches while others reward irony and humor.

2. Play the Opposite

• Sometimes the most ironic or absurd match wins — "volcano" paired with "peaceful" can be funnier than an obvious match.
• Juxtaposition creates humor: "mosquito" + "romantic" is memorable.
• Do not always play the most logical card — surprise the judge.

3. Save Strong Cards

• Power nouns like "Money," "Love," "Hollywood," and "My Life" can match almost any adjective.
• Save these for rounds when no other card in your hand fits well.
• A versatile card played at the right moment is unbeatable.

4. Read the Room

• Pay attention to the mood of the group — a funny answer wins in casual play, while a literal match might win with analytical players.
• Early in the game, players tend to prefer clever matches. Later, fatigue may favor simpler answers.
• Match the energy level of the group.

5. Bluffing as Judge

• When you are the judge, do not reveal which card is yours.
• React equally to all cards — if you laugh at one, players will know it is the winner.
• Consider reading all cards without expression before deciding.

6. Quick Play

• Do not overthink — the game rewards spontaneous creativity over calculated strategy.
• Playing quickly keeps the energy high and the game fun.
• If you hesitate too long, other players may get impatient.

Game Variations

Apples to Apples Junior

• Simpler vocabulary for ages 9+
• Features kid-friendly nouns and adjectives
• Great for classroom and family settings
• Same gameplay mechanics as the original

Apples to Apples Sour Edition

• Features a sour twist — players can challenge the judge's decision
• Adds a competitive edge to the party format
• Includes "sour apple" cards that reverse scoring

Apples to Apples Spanish (Manzanas con Manzanas)

• Fully translated Spanish edition
• Great for language learning and bilingual families
• Cultural references adapted for Spanish-speaking audiences

Apples to Apples Big Picture

• Uses picture cards instead of word cards
• Designed for younger players and visual thinkers
• Supports up to 12 players

Custom House Rules

• Apple Potatoes: Players can play two cards per round (judge picks the best one).
• Apple Seeds: Instead of one winner per round, the judge ranks all cards from best to worst.
• Baked Apples: The judge must give a reason for their choice (leading to debates).

Game History

Origins

• Created by Matthew Kirby and published by Out of the Box Publishing in 1999
• Originally designed as a dinner party game for adults
• Kirby was inspired by a Chinese game called "Hundred Commands"

Awards and Recognition

• Won the Mensa Select award
• Named Party Game of the Year by Games Magazine
• Won the Origins Award for Best Card Game
• Named one of the top 10 party games of all time by multiple publications

Commercial Success

• Acquired by Mattel in 2007
• Over 15 million copies sold worldwide
• Inspired the creation of Cards Against Humanity (a mature-themed version)
• Available in 10+ language editions
• Digital versions available on mobile platforms

Statistics

• Designed for 4-10 players (best with 5-8)
• 324 Red Apple Cards (nouns)
• 108 Green Apple Cards (adjectives)
• 7 cards dealt to each player
• Judge rotates clockwise each round
• Over 15 million copies sold worldwide
• First published in 1999
• Typical game duration 30-60 minutes
• Suitable for ages 12 and up (Junior edition for ages 9+)
• Won Mensa Select award
• Acquired by Mattel in 2007
• Inspired Cards Against Humanity
• Published by Mattel
• Available in 10+ languages

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