Apples to Apples Kids (2001) Board Game

Apples to Apples Kids is a children’s version of the popular party game Apples to Apples, which was first released in in 2001. Designed by Matthew Kirby and Mark Alan Osterhaus, this version is suitable for players aged 7 and up and features kid-friendly word cards for a fun and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Apples to Apples Kids

Red Apple Cards: 504 cards featuring nouns such as people, places, things, and events, tailored for kids.

Green Apple Cards: Cards featuring one-word characteristics like “Amazing,” “Sticky,” or “Scary.”

Card Tray: For holding the cards.

Blank Cards: For personalizing the game.

How To Setup Apples to Apples Kids

To set up the game, open the red apple card packs and mix all the cards thoroughly. Distribute these cards evenly into the deep wells of the card tray. Similarly, mix the green apple cards and place them in the shallow wells of the card tray. Each player is then dealt seven red apple cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Judge Selection: One player is chosen as the judge for each round.

Green Apple Card Play: The judge plays a green apple card with a characteristic like “Amazing.”

Red Apple Card Selection: Other players choose the best matching red apple card from their hand.

Judging and Argument: Players argue why their card is the best match; the judge decides the winner.

Rotation and Scoring: The role of the judge rotates, and players keep the green apple cards they win. The game continues until one player wins four green apple cards.

Quick Pick Option: For five or more players, the last red apple card played may be returned to its player to speed up the game.

Player Experience

**Apples to Apples Kids** is designed to be a fun and interactive game that encourages creativity and social skills. Players enjoy making crazy comparisons and convincing the judge that their card is the best fit. The game promotes table talk and creative reasoning, making it engaging and hilarious.

Pros

Engaging and Fun: Encourages creative thinking and social interaction.

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

High Replayability: With over 500 cards, each game is unique.

Vocabulary Building: Helps kids expand their vocabulary and thinking skills.

Cons

Repetitive: Some players might find the game mechanics repetitive after several rounds.

Subjective Judging: The outcome depends heavily on the judge’s preferences.

Limited Depth: Not ideal for players seeking complex gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Apples to Apples Kids

**Apples to Apples Kids** is perfect for families and groups of children aged 9 and up. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-learn party game that fosters creativity and social interaction. While it may not offer the depth that some older players might seek, it remains a delightful addition to any family game collection. Its ability to generate endless humorous comparisons makes it a staple for family gatherings and kid-friendly parties.

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