How to Play Fortunately/Unfortunately – Rules, Examples & Fun Variations

Fortunately/Unfortunately is a hilarious storytelling game where players take turns adding lines to a story — one good twist, one bad twist, back and forth. The result? A wild, unpredictable tale full of laughs.

It’s great for family game nights, classrooms, or long car rides. The simple format means kids and adults can jump right in, and no two stories are ever the same.

Objective

To create a funny, surprising group story by alternating “fortunately” and “unfortunately” statements. The goal isn’t to win — it’s to keep the story going and enjoy the twists.

Age Range

Ages 7 and up. Younger kids can play too, especially if you use simpler story prompts.

Game Length

5–15 minutes per round, depending on how long you want the story to go.

Why We Like It for Kids and Families

• Sparks creativity – Players get to invent twists on the spot.
• Encourages teamwork – The story only works when everyone builds on each other’s ideas.
• Super flexible – Works with 2 players or 10, in person or on a road trip.
• Lots of laughs – The contrast between good and bad twists almost always ends in giggles.

Skills Learned

• Creativity and imagination
• Storytelling and narrative flow
• Listening and responding
• Collaboration and group play
• Humor and improvisation

How to Play Fortunately/Unfortunately in 5 Steps

Step 1: Gather players

You need at least 2 players, but 4–6 makes it even funnier. No materials are required.

Step 2: Choose a neutral story prompt

One player starts by setting up a simple, neutral situation.
Example: “One day, a boy was walking to school.”

Step 3: Add a “Fortunately” statement

The next player continues the story with a positive twist.
Example: “Fortunately, he found $20 on the sidewalk.”

Step 4: Add an “Unfortunately” statement

The following player continues with a negative twist.
Example: “Unfortunately, it blew into a storm drain.”

Step 5: Keep alternating

Players go around the circle, alternating between fortunate and unfortunate turns until the story naturally ends or you decide to wrap it up.

Example Rounds

Round 1:

• Prompt: “One day, a girl went to the park.”
• Fortunately: “Fortunately, she found a puppy.”
• Unfortunately: “Unfortunately, the puppy ran into the mud.”
• Fortunately: “Fortunately, the puppy loved baths.”
• Unfortunately: “Unfortunately, there was no water nearby.”

Round 2:

• Prompt: “A family was driving on vacation.”
• Fortunately: “Fortunately, they got free ice cream at a gas station.”
• Unfortunately: “Unfortunately, the ice cream melted all over the car seats.”
• Fortunately: “Fortunately, the car wash was right next door.”

Starter Prompt Categories & Examples

Need a jumpstart? Try these categories with opening lines:

• School Adventures – “One morning, the teacher brought a dragon to class.”
• Family Fun – “During dinner, the spaghetti came to life.”
• Travel & Road Trips – “On the way to the beach, the car took a wrong turn.”
• Fantasy – “A wizard appeared in the backyard.”
• Animals – “A monkey snuck into the kitchen.”

Variations

• Option 1: Skip the Neutral Prompt (Easier for Kids)
  The first player skips the neutral setup and jumps straight into a “Fortunately…” line.
  Example: “Fortunately, I found a magic key.”
• Option 2: Combine Prompt and First “Fortunately” (Also Easier for Kids)
  The first player provides the prompt and the first positive twist.
  Example: “One day, a boy was walking home. Fortunately, he found a treasure map.”
• Collaborative Ending – When the group is ready, work together to create a satisfying or funny conclusion.
• Timed Turns – Give each player 5–10 seconds to respond to keep the pace moving.

Rules

1. Statements must alternate between “fortunately” and “unfortunately.”
2. Players must build on the existing story — no random resets.
3. Keep the content appropriate for the group (family-friendly if kids are playing).
4. Stories end when the group agrees or you’ve had enough laughs!

FAQs

Q: How do you win Fortunately/Unfortunately?
A: There’s no official winner — the fun is in creating a silly, memorable story together.

Q: Can two people both say “fortunately” in a row?
A: Not in the standard rules. The fun comes from the contrast, so stick to alternating.

Q: What if someone gets stuck?
A: The group can offer a quick suggestion or allow them to skip their turn.

Q: Can we write the story down?
A: Absolutely! Many families like to write down the final story and read it aloud for extra laughs.