How to Play Categories (The Name Game) – Rules, Variations & Fun Ideas

Categories is a classic party and classroom game where players take turns naming items in a chosen category — like “fruits,” “sports,” or “things that are blue.” It sounds easy… until the pressure is on and your mind goes blank!

I can still remember playing this game in high school around a bonfire with friends. The funniest moments always came when the person just before you “stole” the word you had in mind, and you froze — totally blanking out while everyone else laughed. That pressure and quick thinking is what makes Categories such a great memory-maker.

It’s simple, fast, and fun for all ages, and you can play anywhere without supplies.

Objective

To keep naming items in the chosen category without repeating or hesitating too long. The last player left wins the round.

Age Range

Ages 6 and up. Younger kids can play with broad, easy categories, while older players enjoy trickier or creative categories.

Game Length

5–15 minutes per round. Play as many rounds as you like.

Why We Like It for Kids and Families

• No setup needed – perfect for classrooms, road trips, or family gatherings.
• Customizable – you can make categories as silly or serious as you want.
• Educational – kids practice vocabulary, quick thinking, and memory recall.
• Great for mixed ages – younger kids can still succeed with broad categories.

Skills Learned

• Quick thinking
• Vocabulary building
• Memory recall
• Creativity and flexibility

What You Need

• At least 3 players (more is better)
• A timer (optional, but great for enforcing quick play)

How to Play Categories in 8 Steps

Step 1: Gather 3+ players
Sit in a circle, at a table, or even in the car.

Step 2: Choose a category
Examples: animals, ice cream flavors, countries, superheroes, board games, things at the beach.

Step 3: Pick a starter & direction
Choose who goes first (youngest, rock-paper-scissors, etc.). Decide whether play will move clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Step 4: Kick off with the first word
The starting player says one valid item in the chosen category. No fillers, no long pauses.

Step 5: Rotate quickly to the next player
The player on their left (or chosen direction) must immediately say a different item — typically within 3 seconds. For younger kids, extend to 5 seconds.

Step 6: Keep the rotation moving fast
Play continues around the circle in rapid-fire style. No repeats allowed. The tension builds as options run out.

Step 7: Eliminate on stumbles
A player is out if they:

• hesitate too long,
• repeat an answer, or
• give an invalid item.

Step 8: Declare a winner
The last player remaining wins the round. You can track points (1 point per round) or just play for fun.

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Rules Summary

• Pick a category everyone agrees on.
• Players take turns naming items rapidly.
• No repeats, no invalid answers.
• 3–5 second time limit per turn.
• Hesitation or mistakes = elimination.
• Last player standing wins.

Variations

• Speed Round: Tighten the timer to 2 seconds per answer.
• Double Elimination: Give players two “strikes” before they’re out.
• Team Play: Work in teams — teammates can whisper or signal.
• Alphabet Twist: Go around naming items in alphabetical order.
• Relaxed / Collaborative Mode: Instead of eliminating players, see how many unique items the group can name together before running out. Great for younger kids or classrooms.

Strategies

• Use obvious answers early if you’re not confident.
• Save tricky or unusual ones for later in the round.
• Pay close attention to avoid repeats.
• Think one step ahead so you’re not caught off guard.

FAQs

Q: What are some good categories to use?
A: Animals, colors, sports, pizza toppings, car brands, famous movies, candy, school supplies, countries, and cartoon characters.

Q: How strict should the time limit be?
A: 3 seconds is common. For younger kids, allow more time.

Q: Can categories be silly?
A: Absolutely! “Things you don’t want in your lunchbox” or “Sounds a dog makes” can lead to hilarious rounds.

Q: How do you decide a winner overall?
A: Play multiple rounds and either track points or just rotate winners for fun.

Q: Is Categories the same as Scattergories?
A: No. Categories (Name Game) is the simple, verbal version. Scattergories is the branded game with letter prompts and written answers. Scattergrams is a classroom/DIY variant similar to Scattergories.

Starter Categories List

Starter Ideas by Age

• Kids (6–9): Fruits, animals, colors, toys
• Tweens/Teens: Video games, YouTubers, sports teams, school subjects
• Adults: Car brands, 80s songs, historical figures, vacation destinations

Everyday Things

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Colors
• Clothing items
• School supplies
• Things in the kitchen

Fun & Silly

• Pizza toppings
• Ice cream flavors
• Things that are sticky
• Noises animals make
• Toys
• Things you’d find in outer space

Entertainment

• Movies
• TV shows
• Cartoon characters
• Video games
• Songs
• Sports

People & Places

• Countries
• States or cities
• Famous athletes
• Superheroes
• Book characters
• Historical figures

Nature & Animals

• Animals
• Birds
• Sea creatures
• Trees
• Flowers
• Insects

Tricky / Challenge Mode

• Words starting with “S”
• Things that are round
• Things that are green
• Things smaller than a shoe
• Things bigger than a car
• Items you’d pack for a trip