The Ultimate Guide to the Original Guess Who? Rules

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind the classic party game, Guess Who? Do you know the rules for the original Guess Who? In this ultimate guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the game and provide you with all the information you need to become a Guess Who pro. From the basics of gameplay to advanced strategies, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to unleash your inner detective and outsmart your opponents with these essential tips and tricks. Let’s get started!

The Basics of the Game

Players and Objective

• Number of players: The game is typically played with three to six players. However, it can be adapted for more or fewer players.
• Goal of the game: The objective of the game is for each player to guess the identity of a secret character, known as the “murderer,” who has committed a crime, such as murder or another type of foul play. The players must ask questions and gather information from one another to try to determine the identity of the murderer. The game continues until someone correctly guesses the identity of the murderer, or until the end of the game is reached, such as when a certain number of rounds have been played.

It’s important to note that the game is typically played in a light-hearted and fun manner, and is not intended to be taken seriously or as a representation of real-life situations.

Setup

Components Needed

Before you start playing Guess Who?, make sure you have all the necessary components. You will need the game board, which features a group of characters with different characteristics such as hair color, clothing, and accessories. Additionally, you will need character cards, which represent the different characters in the game, and a game piece to move around the board.

Initial Setup Instructions

To begin, place the game board on a flat surface and lay out the character cards in a line, face down. The game piece should be placed on the starting square of the board. Each player should select a character to represent and keep their chosen character card hidden from the other players.

Next, one player is chosen to be the questioner, while the other players are guessers. The questioner should look at the character card they have chosen and use the character’s attributes to ask yes or no questions of the other players. For example, “Does this character have blonde hair?” or “Is this character wearing a hat?”

The guessers must answer the questions with either a yes or no, and the questioner should take note of the answers. The goal of the game is for the guessers to use the information they gather from the questions to determine the identity of the character they are representing. The first player to correctly guess the character wins the round.

The Rounds

Phases of a Round

The original Guess Who? game consists of multiple rounds, each with specific phases that players must follow. Understanding these phases is crucial to playing the game correctly and enjoying it fully.

Clue Giving Phase

During the Clue Giving Phase, the game’s facilitator, usually the player who has drawn the character card, writes the name of the character on a piece of paper or a whiteboard, without revealing it to the other players. This name is then placed in the middle of the table, visible to all players.

The facilitator must then provide a description of the character, using a limited number of words, without revealing the character’s identity. The description can include traits such as physical appearance, occupation, hobbies, or any other distinguishing features. The goal of this phase is to provide enough information for the other players to make an educated guess, but not enough to reveal the character’s identity.

Guessing Phase

Once the Clue Giving Phase is over, the other players have a set amount of time to ask questions and gather information to make a guess. Players can ask questions about the character’s traits, occupation, appearance, or any other relevant details mentioned in the description. The facilitator must answer truthfully, without revealing the character’s identity.

Players can also use action cards to influence the game during this phase. For example, players can play a “Lie” card to make the facilitator provide a false piece of information, or a “Confuse” card to shuffle the order of the players’ answers.

Scoring Phase

After all the players have made their guesses, the facilitator reveals the character’s name and the correct answer. Players earn points for correctly guessing the character’s identity, and points are deducted for incorrect guesses. The game ends when a player reaches a predetermined number of points, or when all the characters have been revealed.

It is important to note that the original Guess Who? game has specific rules regarding the order of players’ turns, and the use of action cards, which are not discussed in this article. These rules add an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game, making it a unique and enjoyable experience for all players.

Guessing Restrictions

In the original Guess Who? game, there are several restrictions on guessing to make the game more challenging and enjoyable for all players. These restrictions are as follows:

• No repeat guesses: Once a player has made a guess, they cannot make the same guess again during the game. This rule ensures that players do not waste turns by making the same guess repeatedly.
• Gender guessing rule: The game is designed so that players cannot guess the name of a character based on their gender. This rule adds an extra layer of difficulty to the game and makes it more challenging for players to figure out the character’s identity.
• Only one guess per turn: Players are only allowed to make one guess per turn. This rule prevents players from making multiple guesses in one turn, which could give them an unfair advantage over other players. Additionally, it adds suspense and excitement to the game as players wait to see if their guess is correct.

Guessing Criteria

In the original Guess Who? game, the guessing criteria are essential for players to identify the hidden character. Here are the key aspects of the guessing criteria:

1. Types of cards: The game has cards with different types of roles, such as characters, professions, and locations. These roles provide clues for the players to deduce the hidden character.
2. Clue distribution: The game is designed to distribute clues evenly among the players. Each player is given a card with a role, and they must use the clues provided by that role to guess the hidden character. The game encourages players to communicate and share their clues to improve their chances of guessing correctly.
3. Limits on guessing: The game has specific rules regarding the number of times a player can guess the hidden character. Each player is allowed a limited number of guesses, which encourages strategic thinking and teamwork.
4. Scoring: The game has a scoring system that rewards players for correctly guessing the hidden character. Points are awarded based on the number of clues shared by each player and the accuracy of their guesses.

By understanding the guessing criteria, players can develop effective strategies to guess the hidden character and win the game. The original Guess Who? game offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages, promoting social interaction, communication, and critical thinking skills.

End of a Round

At the end of each round, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Winning the round

The game is won by the team that correctly guesses the word on the card. If the team is able to correctly guess the word before the end of the round, they win that round.

End of game conditions

The game is over when the predetermined number of rounds have been played, or when one team has won a predetermined number of rounds. It is important to keep track of the number of rounds played and the number of rounds won by each team, as these will be used to determine the winner of the game. Additionally, it is important to keep track of the words that have already been guessed, as a team cannot win a round by guessing a word that has already been guessed by their opponents.

Scoring and Winning

Scoring System

In the original Guess Who? game, players score points by correctly guessing the hidden character’s identity. The scoring system is based on the number of questions asked and the number of players involved in the game. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring system works:

• Each player starts with a score of zero.
• The player who correctly guesses the hidden character’s identity earns 10 points.
• If two or more players guess the identity at the same time, each of them earns 10 points.
• If no one guesses the identity, the game ends and no one scores any points.
• The game continues until someone reaches 50 points, at which point they are declared the winner.
• In the case of a tie, the game can be extended until one player earns an additional 10 points to become the winner.

It’s important to note that the scoring system can be adjusted based on the number of players and the desired length of the game. Some variations may award fewer points for guessing the identity or may have different scoring thresholds for winning the game.

Winning Conditions

In the original Guess Who? game, the winning conditions are determined by the number of rounds played and the victory criteria. Here are the details:

1. Number of rounds played: The game continues until a player correctly guesses the secret character or all of the suspects have been guessed.
2. Victory criteria: A player wins the game by either correctly guessing the secret character or by having the other players make a combined total of 7 incorrect guesses.

It’s important to note that the game can also end in a draw if neither player is able to meet the victory criteria within the predetermined number of rounds.

Variations and Adaptations

Common House Rules

When playing the game of Guess Who?, some common house rules can be added to the game to change the gameplay and make it more challenging or exciting. These rules are entirely optional and can be introduced based on the preference of the players.

Here are some common house rules for Guess Who?:

• Mutation Rule: In this rule, a player can only make a guess if they have seen the movie or read the book the character is from. This adds an extra layer of challenge to the game and makes it more interesting for players who are fans of the source material.
• Inverse Rule: In this rule, the players must answer questions with the opposite of what they actually know. For example, if a player knows that the character is not a man, they must answer that the character is a man. This adds a fun twist to the game and requires players to think creatively.
• Limited Guesses Rule: In this rule, each player is limited to a certain number of guesses. This can be introduced to make the game more challenging and force players to think more carefully about their guesses.
• Team Play Rule: In this rule, players divide into teams and take turns asking questions. This adds a competitive element to the game and can make it more exciting for players who enjoy team games.
• Character Swap Rule: In this rule, players can swap characters during the game. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the game and can make it more challenging for players to keep track of the characters.

These are just a few examples of common house rules for Guess Who?. Players can introduce any rules they like, as long as they are agreed upon by all players before the game begins. The key is to have fun and enjoy the game, while still following the basic rules of the game.

Adapting for Different Age Groups

• Modifications for younger or older players

Guess Who? is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages, but sometimes, modifications need to be made to make it more suitable for younger or older players. Here are some tips on how to adapt the game for different age groups:

For Younger Players:

1. Simplify the clues: For younger players, it may be difficult to understand complex clues, so it’s important to simplify them. You can use more general descriptions or provide additional hints to help them guess the character.
2. Limit the number of characters: With too many characters, the game can become overwhelming for younger players. Start with a smaller number of characters and gradually increase the difficulty as they become more comfortable with the game.
3. Provide visual aids: Younger players may benefit from visual aids, such as pictures or illustrations, to help them understand the game better.

For Older Players:

1. Increase the difficulty level: For older players, you can increase the difficulty level by adding more characters or using more complex clues.
2. Allow for more specific clues: Older players may enjoy more challenging clues that require a higher level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Incorporate themes: You can incorporate themes, such as historical figures or famous fictional characters, to make the game more engaging and challenging for older players.

Overall, adapting the game for different age groups is essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy playing Guess Who? and have a positive experience. By following these tips, you can create a game that is tailored to the needs and abilities of your players, regardless of their age.

Accessibility Adaptations

For players with visual impairments, the game can be played by describing the characters to them. This can include details such as their appearance, occupation, and personality traits. The descriptions can be given in a clear and concise manner to help the player understand who they are trying to guess.

For players with hearing impairments, the game can be played by using written communication. The game can be played on a board with written clues and answers, or by using a tablet or computer with a text-to-speech feature. This allows the player to read the clues and answer options, rather than relying on verbal communication.

In addition, the game can be adapted for players with cognitive or memory impairments by simplifying the clues and answer options. This can include using images or pictures to represent the characters, or limiting the number of possible answers to choose from. The goal is to make the game accessible to as many players as possible, regardless of their abilities.

Tips and Strategies

Effective Clue Giving

• Giving good clues is the key to making the game of Guess Who? enjoyable and challenging.
• A good clue should provide enough information for the player to make an informed guess, but not so much that it gives away the answer.
• When giving a clue, consider the following tips:
  • Be specific: Avoid giving vague or general clues that don’t provide any useful information. Instead, be as specific as possible when describing the character’s traits, appearance, or behavior.
  • Use adjectives: Adjectives can be a powerful tool when giving clues. They allow you to describe the character’s traits in a more vivid and descriptive way, making it easier for the player to picture the character in their mind.
  • Focus on the character’s appearance: Appearance is a key aspect of the game, so focus on describing the character’s physical attributes, such as their hair color, facial features, or clothing.
  • Avoid contradictions: Make sure that the clues you give don’t contradict each other or the information provided on the character cards. This can be confusing for the player and make it harder for them to guess the character.
  • Be creative: Think outside the box when giving clues. Instead of simply describing the character’s appearance, try to focus on their personality, interests, or habits. This can make the game more challenging and enjoyable for the player.
  • Have fun: Remember that the game of Guess Who? is meant to be fun. Don’t take it too seriously and try to enjoy the experience with your friends and family.

Successful Guessing

In order to be successful at playing the game of Guess Who?, it is important to have a solid understanding of the rules and strategies for making correct guesses. Here are some tips and strategies to keep in mind:

• Start by paying close attention to the question being asked and the clues provided by the other players. This will give you a good starting point for your guesses.
• Try to make educated guesses based on the information you have gathered. For example, if you know that the suspect is a male, you can eliminate female suspects from your list of possibilities.
• Be aware of common mistakes that can lead to incorrect guesses, such as jumping to conclusions based on stereotypes or making assumptions without having enough information.
• Don’t be afraid to make guesses that may seem obvious or simplistic at first glance. Sometimes the most straightforward answers are the correct ones.
• Use your knowledge of the game and the other players to your advantage. For example, if you know that one player is particularly good at guessing, you may want to rely on their knowledge and insight to help you make your own guesses.
• Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy the game! Successful guessing is just one part of the overall experience, and the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy spending time with your friends and family.

Adapting to Different Styles of Play

1. Understanding the Group Dynamics:
   • The first step in adapting to different styles of play is to understand the group dynamics. Observe the players and try to gauge their personalities, playing styles, and communication preferences. This will help you adjust your strategy accordingly.
2. Modifying Your Communication Style:
   • Based on the group dynamics, adjust your communication style. For example, if the group is more extroverted and outgoing, you can be more vocal and direct with your questions and statements. On the other hand, if the group is more introverted and reserved, you may need to be more subtle and indirect in your communication.
3. Adjusting Your Gameplay:
   • The next step is to adjust your gameplay based on the group dynamics. For example, if the group is more competitive, you may need to be more aggressive in your questioning and challenges. If the group is more laid-back and relaxed, you can take a more casual approach to the game.
4. Balancing Individual and Team Play:
   • In some groups, players may prefer to play individually, while in others, they may prefer to play as a team. As the game master, you need to be able to balance individual and team play based on the group’s preferences. You can encourage individual players to take the lead and make decisions, or you can encourage the group to work together and make decisions as a team.
5. Adapting to Changing Circumstances:
   • Finally, it’s important to be able to adapt to changing circumstances during the game. If players are struggling to guess the characters, you may need to adjust the difficulty level or provide more clues. If players are becoming too aggressive or argumentative, you may need to intervene and remind them of the rules and the spirit of the game.

By following these tips and strategies, you can adapt to different styles of play and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Remember, the goal of the game is to have fun, so be flexible and creative in your approach.

FAQs

1. What is the original Guess Who?

The original Guess Who? is a classic party game that involves players asking questions to figure out the identity of a hidden character. The game is played with a deck of cards that contain character cards and action cards. The game is usually played with at least four players.

2. How do you play the original Guess Who?

To play the original Guess Who? game, first, each player is given a character card, which has the identity of a character written on it. Then, one player draws an action card, which contains a question or action that must be performed by another player. The player who drew the action card asks the question or performs the action, and the other players must respond by either answering the question or performing the action. If a player makes a mistake or fails to answer correctly, they are out of the game. The game continues until only one player remains, who is the winner.

3. What is the objective of the game?

The objective of the game is to be the last player remaining in the game. Players must use their deduction skills to figure out the identity of the hidden character, and avoid making mistakes or failing to answer questions correctly. The game is won by being the last player remaining in the game.

4. What is the difference between the original Guess Who? and other versions of the game?

The original Guess Who? game is the classic version of the game, and is the most well-known version. There are other versions of the game, such as the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? game, which has different rules and gameplay mechanics. However, the basic premise of the game remains the same in all versions, which is to figure out the identity of a hidden character by asking questions and performing actions.

5. Can you play the original Guess Who? game online?

There are online versions of the original Guess Who? game available, which can be played on websites or mobile apps. These online versions of the game often have different rules and gameplay mechanics, but they still follow the basic premise of the game. Online versions of the game are a great way to play the game with friends and family who are far away, or to play the game at any time and from any location.

How to play Guess Who?