Draw & act Wordplay Pen & paper
Fishbowl
Also called The Hat Game or Celebrity
Two teams guess names pulled from a bowl: first by describing, then with one word, then acting them out.
the best bit: by round 3, one eyebrow wiggle means Dolly Parton
- Players
- 4–20 (best with 6–12)
- Time
- 45–75 min
- Learn in
- A minute
- Mood
- Rowdy
- Format
- Teams
The 30-second version
Everyone writes a few names on slips of paper and drops them in a bowl. Two teams take turns getting their teammates to guess as many slips as they can in a minute. You play three rounds with the same slips: first describing freely, then with one word, then acting it out. By the end, the whole room has its own shorthand.
read this, then walk through the steps below once.
Grab these
Set up
- Everyone writes five names on separate slips: famous people, characters, or friends the whole group knows. Fold them and drop them in the bowl.
- Split into two teams and sit so teammates alternate around the circle.
How to play
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Round 1: Say anything
A player from Team A has 60 seconds to get their team to guess as many slips as possible. Describe each name any way you like, as long as you don't say any part of it. Got one? Grab the next slip.
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Pass the bowl
When time's up, pass the bowl to a player on Team B. Keep alternating teams and rotating players until the bowl is empty.
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Round 2: One word
Put every slip back in the bowl. Same game, but now you get exactly one word per slip. Everyone heard every name in round 1, so it's easier than it sounds.
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Round 3: Act it out
Slips back in. No words at all this time, only charades. Your team will recognize the clues from the last two rounds.
for example…
In round 1 you get "Dolly Parton" with "Country legend, sang 9 to 5." In round 2 you say "Jolene." By round 3, miming one enormous wig is enough.
How to win
Every slip your team guesses is a point. Add up all three rounds. The highest total wins.
From experience…
- Agree on a skip rule before you start. A common one: no skipping in round 1, one skip per turn after that.
- If a turn ends mid-slip, that slip goes back in the bowl.
- Mix in a few names only your group knows. They're always the best part.