Bad Artist

Objective

Everyone secretly draws a prompt. Each drawing is then shown in turn: everyone else writes a fake title, the real prompt is mixed in, and all vote for the title they think is real.

How to play

1. Everyone gets a secret prompt and draws it before the timer runs out. Tap Done to finish early.
2. Each drawing is shown in turn. Everyone except the artist writes a fake title that could pass for the real prompt.
3. The real prompt is mixed in with the fakes. Everyone except the artist votes for the title they think is real. You can't vote for your own.
4. The real prompt and who wrote each fake are revealed, then the next drawing is shown.

Scoring

Picking the real prompt: +2. Each voter your fake fools: +1 for you. The artist gets +1 for every voter who picked the real prompt, up to 3 per drawing.

Example round

1. You are secretly asked to draw 'a nervous ghost' and do your best in 75 seconds.
2. Your drawing comes up. Everyone else writes a fake title: 'Shy bedsheet', 'Ghost at a job interview', 'Melting snowman'.
3. The real prompt is mixed in with the fakes and everyone votes for the one they think is real.
4. The truth is revealed, along with who wrote each fake and who it fooled. Then the next drawing appears.

Strategy tips

• As the artist, draw the idea clearly enough that people can find the real title, because you score for every correct vote.
• When writing a fake, copy the style of a real prompt: short, odd and specific beats a joke that stands out.
• Look for the title that sounds a little too clever, a little too polished. The real prompt is usually blunt.

Best with

Best with 5 to 10 players, and it works from 3 up to 12. No drawing skill is needed, since bad drawings make the best games. Great for parties, family evenings and team events.

Variations

• Lengthen the drawing timer for more detailed art or shorten it for scribbled chaos.
• Play several rounds to give every player a turn as the artist.

FAQ