Apples to Apples (1999) Board Game

Apples to Apples is a popular card game that was released in in 1999. It was designed by Matthew Kirby and Mark Alan Osterhaus and features artwork by John Kovalic. The game was published by Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and falls into the categories of card game and humor party game. It is designed for 4-10 players, with the best playing experience for 6-8 players and has a runtime of 20-30 minutes. The game is recommended for players aged 12 and above.

Game Components of Apples to Apples

Red Apple Cards: 750+ cards featuring nouns (people, places, things, or events).

Green Apple Cards: 250+ cards featuring adjectives (characteristics of people, places, things, or events).

Tray: For holding the cards.

Expansions: Multiple expansion sets, including themed editions like *Apples to Apples Junior* and *Apples to Apples Kids*.

How To Setup Apples to Apples

Setup is straightforward: each player is dealt seven red apple cards. One player is chosen as the first judge, who draws a green apple card. The game is ready to play with minimal setup time, typically around 1 minute.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Judge Rotation: One player acts as the judge each round, drawing a green apple card with an adjective.

Card Submission: Other players submit one red apple card from their hand that best matches the adjective.

Blind Judging: The judge shuffles the submitted cards and reveals them, choosing the best match.

Scoring: The player whose card is chosen wins the green apple card, adding it to their score pile.

Game End: The game ends when a player collects a set number of green apple cards, determined by the number of players.

Player Experience

**Apples to Apples** is known for its interactive and humorous gameplay, encouraging players to know their audience and argue for their chosen cards. The game fosters social interaction, inside jokes, and table banter, making it enjoyable for a wide range of players. However, its simplicity can lead to it becoming stale after multiple plays, especially for more experienced gamers.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple mechanics make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: With over 1,000 cards, each game can be unique.

Family-Friendly: Clean content suitable for all ages.

Encourages Social Interaction: Promotes engagement and humor among players.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 30-75 minutes.

Cons

Simple Mechanics: May become boring for some players over time.

Subjective Judging: Winning cards are chosen based on the judge’s opinion, which can be inconsistent.

Less Engaging for Experienced Gamers: May not offer enough complexity or strategy for seasoned gamers.

Market Saturation: Frequently found in used markets, indicating it may not be as sought after as other party games.

Personal Thoughts on Apples to Apples

**Apples to Apples** is ideal for family gatherings, casual game nights, and new players looking to transition from traditional board games like Monopoly or Scrabble. While it may not be as engaging for experienced gamers who prefer more complex games, its simplicity and social interaction aspects make it a timeless classic. It stands as a better, more family-friendly alternative to games like *Cards Against Humanity*, and its ability to create humorous and memorable moments ensures it remains a staple in many game collections.

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