Categories Game

Categories is a well-known game of rapid-paced word enumeration. Each round, a starting letter and list of categories will be generated. You can share this list with a friend via the game code. If multiple players use the same game code, their lists and letter will match and they can play together.

The aim of the game is to come up with one word or phrase starting with the given letter before time expires. Each word or phrase generated counts for one point. Points are totalled at the end of the round. Players should go over their lists when the timer has ended and review each other's answers. Any word or phrase that all players agree is valid counts for a point. Any player in the group may veto a word or phrase so it is imperitive that players remain impartial; otherwise, it won't be any fun.

To that end, it's important to set some general guidelines for what counts with your group. This is open to the individual group's preference, but a reasonable starting point would be:

• If any two or more players put the same word for the same category, none of them may count it for a point.
• Individual words may be used multiple times in a player's list, but entire answers cannot be repeated.
• Adjectives used at the beginning of answers should be essential for the answer, and must make sense with the given noun. In other words, you can't stick an adjective at the beginning of a phrase just to make it fit the category or letter: the thing itself should fit in the category. For example, if the category is "Gross Things", the letter is I, and someone answers "Icky Elephants", that would not be a valid answer since the adjective has clearly been added with the express intent of making it fit the given letter. Alternatively, if the category is "Breakfast Foods" and the letter is F, "Frosted Flakes" would be a completely valid answer, because the whole phrase is logical and the adjective is not superfluous.

To begin, ensure each player has access to this site on a computer or mobile device. Players can either use pencil and paper, or optionally have text inputs on screen to write their answers in. One player should press Generate List to get a new game code. Then, they should share the game code with all players and allow them to enter it on their respective devices. When all player are ready, they should each press Start Round at the same time, which will display the letter and the list and begin the timer. When the timer runs out, a sound will play and text inputs (if in use) will be disabled preventing futher input. The players can then share and deliberate on their answers, and points can be added to each player's running total. The round points will be prefilled if inputs are used, but may be changed freely based on whether answers are accepted. Clicking on any answer after the timer has gone off will strike or unstrike it, adding or subtracting it from the round score. Starting the next round or ending the game will add the previous round's points to the total.

There is no communication between the player's device and the server, this game runs entirely locally in your browser. The game codes are just seeds for the list generator to ensure that all players get the same lists and letters. The game attempts to sync the start of the game so that if two players press the button a bit apart, it'll still start them at the same time. This results in a slight delay starting the game. This relies on the user's system clock, so it may not always work.

Game Setup

Hide Inputs (I'm Using Paper and Pencil)

Time Limit 60 90 120 150

Game Code Generate Game Code Start Game

Game Code:

Start Next Round



End Game

Game Summary

Restart