Monikers is a party game that centers around the art of guessing and wordplay. In this game, players are divided into teams, and the goal is to have your teammates guess a variety of names, phrases, and concepts under the pressure of a ticking timer. What makes Monikers unique and hilarious is the evolving challenge: players start with a broad set of clues and gradually narrow them down with each round.
The game begins with players using any words or actions to convey the clues, leading to a lot of creative and often absurd interpretations. As the rounds progress, players must communicate using only one word to describe the same set of cards, followed by a round of charades-style gestures.
The humor lies in how the clues and associations evolve over time, leading to unexpected and comical connections. “Monikers” thrives on the shared language and inside jokes that develop among players, making it a fantastic choice for an entertaining and laughter-filled game night with friends and family.
What’s inside Monikers
- Cards: The game comes with a set of cards featuring names, phrases, and concepts, which are used for guessing during the game.
- Timer: You’ll need a timer to limit the time for each round, usually set at 60 seconds.
- Teams: Players are divided into two or more teams, and each team takes turns being the clue-giving team.
How to play Monikers
Setup
- Shuffle the deck of cards and place it face down in the center of the table.
- Each team selects a clue-giver for the first round. The clue-giver takes the deck of cards and draws enough to have a manageable number of cards to use in the first round (e.g., 8-10 cards).
- The other teams create a discard pile by placing one or two cards face down in front of the clue-giver, without showing them to the clue-giver.
- Set the timer to 60 seconds.
Rules for Monikers
The game is played over multiple rounds, and each round follows these phases:
1. Initial Clue-Giving Phase:
- The clue-giver, without looking at the cards, selects one from the deck and attempts to get their team to guess the word or phrase on the card.
- The clue-giver can use any words, actions, or sounds to convey the clue. They can also skip a card if they find it too difficult.
- Teams take turns until the timer runs out. Keep track of the number of cards successfully guessed.
2. One-Word Phase:
- Shuffle the cards that were guessed correctly during the initial clue-giving phase and place them face down.
- The clue-giver selects one card at a time from this shuffled pile and tries to get their team to guess the word or phrase on the card using only one word.
- Again, teams take turns, and the timer runs until all cards are guessed or until it runs out.
3. Charades Phase:
- Shuffle the cards that were guessed correctly during the one-word phase and place them face down.
- The clue-giver now has to act out the words or phrases on these cards without using any words.
- Teams take turns, and the timer runs until all cards are guessed or until it runs out.
Scoring:
- After all three phases, teams count the total number of cards they successfully guessed throughout the round.
- Teams earn points based on the number of cards they guessed.
- The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
For the official rules, see the link below:
How to win Monikers
Monikers is a game that emphasizes creativity, wordplay, and effective communication. While it’s more about having fun and generating laughter than winning, here are some strategies to enhance your Monikers gameplay:
- Start Broad and Get Specific: During the initial clue-giving phase, begin with broad and easily recognizable clues to ensure your team guesses as many cards as possible. As the rounds progress, you can get more specific.
- Use Gestures Wisely: In the charades phase, remember that you can’t use words to convey clues. Make use of exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to help your team guess correctly.
- Watch the Timer: Keep an eye on the timer throughout each phase. It’s easy to lose track of time, so try to pace yourself to ensure you have a chance to guess all the cards.
- Consider Associations: Think about what words or phrases might be associated with the card you’re trying to get your team to guess. Sometimes, a related word can trigger the correct answer.
- Pay Attention to Your Team: If you notice your teammates struggling to guess a particular card or type of card, adjust your clues to help them out. Remember, you’re a team, and collaboration is key.
- Embrace Creativity: Be open to creative and unconventional clues. Sometimes, a clever play on words or a humorous approach can lead to successful guesses.
- Stay Positive: “Monikers” is all about fun, so keep the atmosphere light and positive. Laugh at misunderstandings and celebrate your team’s successes, regardless of the score.
- Observe Opponents: Pay attention to the clues and strategies used by other teams during their turns. This can give you insights into the cards in play and help you make better guesses when it’s your turn.
- Vary the Clue-Giver: Consider rotating the clue-giver role within your team. Different players may have unique perspectives and creative approaches to clue-giving.