Alias Generator | Word Guessing Game Cards

How to Play Alias

To play Alias, split into teams: one player describes the word out loud without ever saying the word itself, any part of it, or a direct translation, while their team races to guess as many words as they can before the timer runs out.

1. Split into teams. Divide everyone into two or more teams. Each team takes turns sending up one describer while the rest of that team does the guessing.
2. Draw a word in secret. The describer generates a word and reads it silently, keeping it hidden from everyone else.
3. Start the timer and describe it. Talk as much as you like — but you may never say the word itself, any part of it, a word that shares its root, or a direct translation.
4. Let your team guess, or skip. Only the describer's own team may call out answers. Each correct word scores a point; a word you can't describe can be skipped, usually for a one-point penalty.
5. Pass to the next team. When the timer hits zero the round ends, and the next team sends up their own describer.
6. Keep alternating and total the score. Play an agreed number of rounds, add up the points, and the highest-scoring team wins.

The rules of Alias

• You may talk, but never say the word. Unlike charades you're allowed to speak freely — the one thing off-limits is the answer.
• No part of the word and no shared roots. For "sunflower" you can't say "sun", "flower" or "sunny"; you have to come at it sideways.
• No direct translations. Saying the word in another language counts as saying it.
• Skipping is allowed, at a cost. Pass on a word you're stuck on, but agree a penalty (usually minus one point) so skipping isn't free.
• Only the describing team guesses. The other teams stay quiet during a turn and get their own round.

Alias is a team game, so split your group fairly with the team splitter and settle who describes first using who goes first. Want to act instead of talk? Try the silent version on our charades generator.