Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Hedbanz Act Up! adds an energetic twist to the classic Hedbanz guessing format by turning players into silent actors who must help others guess their card. With timed rounds, color-matching partners, and nonstop movement, this party game keeps everyone involved from the first turn to the last. Below is a complete, rewritten guide to help you learn the rules quickly and start playing.

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How to Play Hedbanz Act Up

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Components

• 6 Colored Headbands
• 6 Matching Player Cards
• 1 Die
• 1 20-Second Timer
• 180 Cards
• 72 Tokens
• Instructions

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Object of the Game

Be the first player to get rid of all 12 of your tokens. You can return tokens to the bank by:

• Correctly guessing the card in your own headband
• “Acting up” to help another player guess their card

Both the Guesser and the Actor earn progress when a correct guess is made.

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Setup

1. Each player chooses:
   • 1 headband
   • The matching Player Card
   • 12 tokens
2. Remove any unused headbands and Player Cards.
3. Put on your headband so the Hedbanz logo is centered above your eyebrows.
4. Place your Player Card in front of you as a reminder of your color.
5. Shuffle the deck and place it in the center as the Draw Pile.
6. Each player draws a card and inserts it into their headband without looking at it.
7. Place the timer and die where everyone can reach them.
8. The remaining tokens form the Token Bank.
9. The youngest player starts the game.

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Gameplay

1. The Guesser’s Role

On your turn, you are the Guesser, trying to identify the Person, Place, or Thing on your card.

2. Roll the Die

You roll the die to determine who will be your Actor, the player who must silently act out clues to help you guess.

• If the die shows a color another player is wearing → that player is your Actor.
• If the die shows your own color or a color not in play, then all other players act simultaneously.

3. The Acting Phase

When the Actor is determined:

• The Actor flips the timer
• Acting must be physical only
• No sounds, talking, props, or miming letters

As the Guesser, shout out as many guesses as you want within the 20 seconds.

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Correct Guess

If you guess your card before time expires:

• You place 1 token in the bank
• Your Actor (or all Actors) place 1 token in the bank
• If time remains, you may:
  • Draw a new card
  • Place it in your headband
  • Continue guessing without re-rolling the die

If you fail to guess the new card in time, it stays for your next turn.

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Incorrect Guess / Time Runs Out

If the timer runs out and you still haven’t guessed correctly:

• No one returns a token
• Your card stays in your headband
• Play passes left

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Taking a New Card

If you’re stuck, you may:

• Take a new card from the Draw Pile
• Take one penalty token from the bank
• Continue your turn until the timer expires

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Winning the Game

The first player to return all 12 tokens to the bank wins.
In the event of a tie during the final round, both the Guesser and Actor share the victory.

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Special Rules for 3 Players

Each player plays with two colors:

• Their headband color
• One additional color placed in front of them

If the die shows either of your colors, you act for that Guesser.
All other rules remain the same.

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Optional Competitive Variant

To increase tension, each player may hide their remaining tokens behind their Player Card. This prevents others from knowing who is close to winning, making every acting decision a strategic risk.

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FAQ – Hedbanz Act Up Rules

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Conclusion

Hedbanz Act Up! delivers a lively, high-energy twist on the classic Hedbanz guessing formula by bringing physical acting into every round. If you enjoy this game, you may also want to try Hedbanz, Hedbanz Blast Off, or Hedbanz Lightspeed, each offering its own unique take on fast-paced guessing fun.