Read this out first

Fishbowl

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.

Set up · 1 of 2

Everyone writes five names on separate slips: famous people, characters, or friends the whole group knows. Fold them and drop them in the bowl.

Set up · 2 of 2

Split into two teams and sit so teammates alternate around the circle.

How to play · 1 of 4

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.

How to play · 2 of 4

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.

How to play · 3 of 4

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.

How to play · 4 of 4

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.

How to win

Every slip your team guesses is a point. Add up all three rounds. The highest total wins.