This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.
Official Telestrations Game Rules
Objective:
The goal of Telestrations is to convey a word or phrase through drawings and guesses, passing the sketchbook from player to player until the original prompt returns to its starting point.
Components:
Sketchbooks: Each player receives a sketchbook.
Markers or Pens: Used for drawing.
Word Cards: Cards with words or phrases for players to draw and guess.
Timer: Optionally used to limit drawing and guessing time.
Setup:
Each player takes a sketchbook, marker or pen, and a word card.
The players sit in a circle or around a table.
Gameplay:
Word Selection: Each player secretly looks at their word card and writes the word or phrase at the top of the first page of their sketchbook.
Drawing: Players have a limited time (usually around 60 seconds) to draw a picture representing their word or phrase on the first page of their sketchbook.
Passing: After the time is up, players pass their sketchbooks to the player on their left.
Guessing: When a player receives a sketchbook, they look at the drawing and write their guess of what the word or phrase might be on the next page.
Passing and Drawing: Players then pass the sketchbooks again, this time based on the guess they just made. The next player will attempt to draw the guessed word or phrase.
Continuation: The process of guessing and drawing continues until each sketchbook returns to its original owner.
Revealing: Once everyone has had a turn, players take turns showing the progression of drawings and guesses in their sketchbooks, starting with the first page and flipping through to the last.
Laughter Ensues: Players compare the original word or phrase with the final drawing and guess, often resulting in humorous interpretations and misunderstandings.
Scoring:
Telestrations is typically a non-competitive game focused on fun and creativity. Players don't usually keep score, but instead, enjoy the amusing outcomes of the drawings and guesses.
Variations:
Team Telestrations: Players divide into teams and work together to create and guess drawings.
Custom Themes: Instead of word cards, players can come up with their own themes or prompts.
Telephone Pictionary: A similar game where players alternate between writing and drawing to convey a message.
Telestrations is a fantastic game for parties, family gatherings, or any social event where laughter and creativity are welcome. Enjoy the hilarious results of miscommunication and artistic interpretations!
