Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Apples to Apples is a fun and fast-paced party game where players match red noun cards to green adjective cards, aiming for the most fitting or funniest combination. Each round, one player acts as the judge, choosing the best match from the submitted cards. The first player to win a set number of rounds wins the game. Simple to learn and full of laughs, Apples to Apples is perfect for groups of all sizes!

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This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

How to Play Apples to Apples

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Objective

The goal of Apples to Apples is to earn the most green apple cards by submitting the best (or funniest) red apple card each round, as judged by the rotating judge.

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Setup

1. Choose a Judge – Select one player to be the first judge. The judge role rotates clockwise each round.
2. Shuffle the Cards – Separate the red apple and green apple cards into two decks and shuffle each thoroughly.
3. Deal the Cards – Each player (except the judge) receives 7 red apple cards (nouns).
4. Stack the Green Cards – Place the green apple deck (adjective cards) face down in the center.

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How to Play

1. The Judge Draws a Green Apple Card
   • The judge draws a green apple card (adjective) from the deck and reads it aloud (e.g., Brave, Mysterious, Hilarious).
   • This card sets the theme for the round.
2. Players Choose a Red Apple Card
   • Each player (except the judge) selects one red apple card (noun) from their hand that they think best matches the adjective.
   • Cards can be chosen seriously (a logical match) or humorously (a funny or ironic match).
   • Players place their chosen card face down in a pile.
3. The Judge Shuffles and Reads the Cards
   • The judge shuffles the submitted red apple cards to ensure anonymity.
   • They read each card aloud in combination with the green card (e.g., Brave – Grandma).
4. The Judge Picks the Best Match
   • The judge selects the red apple card they feel is the best match, either because it fits well or is the funniest.
   • The player who submitted the chosen card wins the round and takes the green apple card as a point.
5. Refill Hands & Rotate the Judge
   • Each player draws a new red apple card to maintain a hand of 7.
   • The judge role rotates clockwise, and a new round begins.

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Winning the Game

• The game continues until a player collects a set number of green apple cards, usually based on the number of players:
  • 4 players – First to 8 green cards
  • 5 players – First to 7 green cards
  • 6 players – First to 6 green cards
  • 7+ players – First to 5 green cards

The player with the most green apple cards at the end wins the game!

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Optional Rules & Variations

1. Quick Play – Set a lower number of required green apple cards to shorten the game.
2. Judging Twist – Instead of one judge, the entire group votes on the best match.
3. Custom Rules – Players can agree to judge based on funniest, most accurate, or most absurd matches.

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Tips & Strategies

• Know Your Judge – Some judges prefer logical answers, while others love humor. Play accordingly!
• Think Outside the Box – The best matches aren’t always the most obvious ones. Creativity can win rounds.
• Save Strong Cards – If you have a card that could make a perfect match for a future round, hold onto it.

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Final Thoughts

Apples to Apples is a game of creativity, humor, and persuasion. Whether you aim for the most logical or the funniest matches, the key is to adapt to each round’s judge. With endless card combinations and unexpected laughs, it’s a party favorite for all ages!