Would You Rather is the easiest party game there is: no cards, no board, no setup. Someone asks a question with two options, everyone picks one, and the fun is in the reasons. But if you play it the same way all night, it can fizzle out. Here are nine ways to keep the energy up, all tested at birthday parties, sleepovers and family gatherings.
1. The classic round
Sit in a circle. One person reads a question, everyone answers in turn, and each player gives a one-sentence reason. The reader passes the question to the left. Start with funny questions to warm everyone up.
2. Pick a side of the room
Point to one wall for option A and the opposite wall for option B. Players walk to their side. It gets everyone moving, and it is very obvious when one person stands alone on a side. That person gets to explain first.
3. The silent vote
Everyone closes their eyes and raises one finger for A or two fingers for B. The host counts and reveals the result. It is great for shy guests, because nobody sees who picked what until the reveal.
4. Guess the crowd
Before anyone answers, each player guesses which option most people will pick. Then play the question on the online game and check the real percentage. Closest guess wins a point. It is like a mini version of our Would You Rather quiz.
5. Team battle
Split into two teams. Each team gets a question and has one minute to agree on an answer and a reason. The other team votes on whose reason was better. Best of ten wins.
6. Mind reader
One player leaves the room while everyone else answers a question. When they come back, they guess how each person answered. One point for every correct guess. It works brilliantly with questions for friends and family questions.
7. Hot seat
One person sits in the middle and answers five questions in a row, as fast as possible, no explanations allowed. Then the group picks the one answer they want explained.
8. Make your own
Every player writes one question on a slip of paper and drops it in a bowl. Draw them one by one. Our guide on how to write a good Would You Rather question helps if people get stuck.
9. Challenge a friend
Not everyone could make it? Play ten questions in the online game, tap Challenge a friend in the menu, and send the link. Your friend answers the same ten and sees how alike you are.
Tips for hosting
- Keep questions clean so everyone can join in, from grandparents to little cousins. Every question on this site is family friendly.
- No answering “both” or “neither”. The fun is in being forced to choose.
- Mix easy questions with a few hard ones to start real debates.
- Stop while people are still laughing. Ten to fifteen minutes is the sweet spot.