The hat game is a party word game in which teams guess names or words from slips of paper over several rounds. It is also known as Salad Bowl, Fishbowl or Celebrities, depending on where you play. The clever part is that the same slips are reused across rounds, and each round makes the clues stricter. By the end, everyone knows the words well, which is why the last round tends to be the funniest.
Here is a full explanation of how to set up and play.
What you need
- Four or more players, split into two or more teams
- Small slips of paper and pens
- A hat, bowl or bag
- A timer, such as a phone
- Something to keep score
Setup
- Give every player the same number of slips, commonly three to five.
- Each player writes a word, name or short phrase on each slip. Famous people and characters are the classic choice, but any nouns work.
- Fold the slips and put them in the hat.
- Split into teams, ideally sitting alternately so that opponents and teammates are mixed around the room.
If your group struggles for ideas, our list of category game suggestions can help.
How to play
Teams take turns. On a team’s turn, one player draws slips from the hat and gives clues to their teammates, who guess. The timer usually runs for 30 to 60 seconds. Each correct guess scores a point for the team, and the clue giver draws the next slip right away. When time runs out, the turn passes to the other team. Slips guessed correctly are set aside, and any unguessed slip goes back in the hat.
A round ends when the hat is empty.
The three rounds
Round 1: describe freely
The clue giver can say anything except the words on the slip. Gestures and sound effects are often allowed too, depending on the house rules.
Round 2: one word only
All slips go back into the hat. The clue giver may say only a single word per slip. Because everybody has heard the slips once, a single word is usually enough to trigger the memory.
Round 3: act it out
Slips go back in again. Now the clue giver cannot speak at all and has to act or mime. If you like this round, our mime games ideas and acting games guide have more of the same.
Scoring and winning
Add up each team’s points across all three rounds. The highest total wins. Some groups keep a running score per round, and others only count the total.
Common rules to decide in advance
- Passing: allow one skip per turn, or none.
- Gestures in round 1: allowed or banned.
- Mid-turn time: whether the player carries over leftover time into the next round.
- Rhyme-with and sounds-like clues: many groups disallow them.
- Names: decide if first names are enough or full names are required.
Variations
- Single category: all slips must fit a theme, such as films or animals. Holiday themes work well too; see Christmas party games for adults.
- Extra round: add a fourth round where the clue giver may only make sounds, or a final round where players must draw. For a related idea, see the drawing on your head game.
- Team size: with large groups, create three or four teams and rotate turns.
- Younger players: use simple words, and skip the silent round if it is too hard.
Tips for a smoother game
- Remind writers to avoid obscure slips that nobody will know.
- Check for duplicates before play begins and remove them.
- Keep turns short so people stay engaged.
- Appoint a timekeeper who is not playing, if possible.
- Pass the hat around so everyone has a turn giving clues.
Other things people mean by the hat game
The phrase also refers to other activities. Some searchers are looking for a riddle or puzzle with a hat, others for a different hat-based party game, and some for something related to a celebrity’s hat in the news. This article covers the paper-slip party game. If you are after a specific riddle, check the source where you first saw it, since versions vary.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic rules of the hat game?
Players write words on slips, put them in a hat, and teams take timed turns giving clues. The slips are reused across three rounds that become more restrictive.
How many people do you need?
Four is a workable minimum. Larger groups work well, and you can split into more than two teams.
Is it the same as Celebrities or Salad Bowl?
These names usually describe the same format, though house rules differ slightly between groups.
How long does it take?
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes for a full game, depending on group size and how many slips each person writes. For shorter options, try 5-minute games for adults.