Category lists for list games

How to play a list game

1. Hand out paper. Each player writes the numbers 1 to 12 down the side, or uses a printed sheet.
2. Start the round. Tap "New round" for a letter and a list, read both out, and start the timer.
3. Write one answer per category. Every answer must start with the letter and fit the category. Work alone and keep your sheet covered.
4. Stop when time is up. Pens down at the beep.
5. Read out and score. Go through the categories in order. Each player reads their answer. An answer scores 1 point only if nobody else wrote the same thing. Matching answers score nothing for anyone, and so do blanks and answers the table rejects.
6. Play three rounds with different letters and lists, then add up. Highest total wins.

The scoring is what makes it fun: the obvious answer ("apple" for a fruit with A) is the one most likely to be cancelled out, so the best players look for the answer nobody else will think of.

House rules worth agreeing first

• Bonus words. Some groups give an extra point for each word in an answer that starts with the letter ("big brown bear" for B).
• No repeats on one sheet. The same answer cannot be used for two categories in a round.
• Proper names. Decide whether a person's first name counts, or only their last name.
• Challenges. Any player can challenge an answer; the rest vote, and a tie keeps it.
• Kids and adults together. Let younger players skip two categories per round, or give them an extra minute.

All 24 category lists

Every list is our own. Use them with any list game, as a classroom warm-up, or as quick conversation starters. Each one mixes easy categories with a few that make people think.

Category list questions

How long is a round in a list game?

Two to three minutes is common, and the timer here starts at 2:00. It is adjustable: pick 1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 or 3 minutes. Give kids or a big list more time; shorten it once everyone knows the categories.

Can I use these lists with Scattergories?

Yes. If you have played through the lists that came with your game, ours work as extra Scattergories lists: same idea, 12 categories each. Scattergories is a trademark of Hasbro; this page is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro, and every list here was written by us.

How do I print an answer sheet?

Start a round so the letter and list appear, then tap "Print answer sheet". Only the sheet prints: the letter, the 12 categories with a line for each answer, and a score box. Print one per player.

What counts as a valid answer?

The answer must fit the category and its first word must start with the letter (most groups ignore "a" and "the"). If the table cannot agree, take a vote; a tie means the answer stands.

Are the lists suitable for kids?

Yes. We wrote all 24 so a child of about ten can answer most categories with most letters, and none invites rude or scary answers.