The Hat Game is great fun for everyone. We have the official rules for The Hat Game, strategy tips, and even a video of the hat game being played! The hat game can be played by as few as 4 people and as many as 30. There are a few different "house rules" variations which we will discuss, but there is a commonly accepted set of standard rules.

The Hat Game Rules

Materials Needed
2 to 5 blank slips of paper for each player
Pen or pencil for each player
Timer clock
Hat (or box)

Setting up the Game
Split the players up into two teams with the same number of players. If there is an odd number of players, that's okay; just make the teams as even as possible. A popular division of players is boys versus girls or kids versus adults.

Each player should receive 2 to 5 blank scraps of paper depending on how long you want the game to last. Each player should get the same number of entries. Pick a general category such as sports, animals, food, travel, or education. Each player should write down a different word or short phrase (up to 5 words max) on each piece of paper that fits within the general category. Proper nouns are acceptable. The entries must be in the players' native language. All players should mix their entries into a hat (or box). Flip a coin or somehow randomly pick which team goes first.

Gameplay
Start the timer or look at the clock to keep track of 1 minute.

Round 1
Describe in words but not use the actual words or variations of the words. If you say the word, replace in the hat and the team is assessed a 1 point penalty.

Round 2
Act out the clue with no props or speaking. Cannot spell out the clues or show the number of words.

Round 3
Say 1 word as the only clue for your team to get the word.