The award-winning party card game that started it all. Find out why Apples to Apples is still one of the best games for mixed groups of all ages.
Players: 4-10 | Time: 30-75 minutes | Age: 12+ | My Rating: 4 out of 5 cupcakes
What Is Apples to Apples?
If you’ve played Cards Against Humanity, you basically owe Apples to Apples a thank-you note. This is the original matching card game, and it keeps things totally family-friendly.
It was actually named Party Game of the Year back in 1999 by Games magazine, and it won the Mensa Select award that same year. That’s a pretty solid reputation.
The game supports 4-10 players and plays anywhere from 30 to 75 minutes depending on how much everyone has to say about their cards.
How Does It Work?
The game has two decks. Red apple cards feature people, places, things, and events. Green apple cards feature descriptive words like ‘disgusting,’ ‘ancient,’ or ‘charming.’ One player is the judge each round. They flip a green apple card and read the word out loud. Everyone else picks the red apple card from their hand that they think best fits the description, then plays it face down on the table.
The judge flips all the red cards, reads them out, and picks their favorite. That player wins the green card and keeps it as a point. The role of judge rotates, and whoever collects enough green cards first wins.
The Secret Skill: Knowing Your Judge
Here’s where the game gets sneaky. It’s not really about finding the best match. It’s about knowing the person who’s judging. If the judge loves puns, play for the laugh. If they’re super literal, go with the obvious choice. The same card can win or lose depending entirely on who’s holding the green card that round.
That’s what makes Apples to Apples so fun at family gatherings and big mixed groups. The lobbying is allowed and encouraged. You can absolutely make a case for your card.
Family-Friendly Fun
This is the game I’d pull out at Thanksgiving or Christmas with relatives of all ages. It’s clean, it’s quick to explain, and it scales really well. Ten people can play without the game dragging.
There’s also a junior edition for younger players, which is a great touch if you’ve got kids at the table.
My One Small Note
The game can feel repetitive if you play it a lot. Once you’ve gone through the card deck a few times, the novelty of certain red cards wears off. Picking up an expansion pack helps with that.
Do I Recommend It?
Yes, with enthusiasm. Apples to Apples is a staple for a reason. It’s accessible, funny, and perfect for groups of people who don’t all know each other yet. If you’ve got a mixed crowd and want something everyone can play, this one belongs on the table.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Cupcakes
A classic party game that holds up. Loses one cupcake only because repeated plays can feel a little familiar, but that’s what expansions are for.
