How to Play Categories

Setup

1. Draw a Grid

   To begin the game, each player draws a 5-by-5 grid box (five columns and five rows) on their piece of paper, leaving enough space in the boxes to be able to write words.

2. Pick a Method for Choosing Categories and Keywords

   The categories and keyword may be chosen by any method the players agree to. One option is to roll a die or dice. The player rolling the highest number chooses the keyword. The next five players choose the various categories.

3. Choose Categories

   Players choose five categories. Each player writes the categories down the left side of the grid (not in the boxes), one category per row.

   Categories can be almost anything and as easy or difficult as the players wish to make them. The options are endless for all ages. Examples include:

   • Types of birds
   • Television shows
   • Novelists
   • Cities in Pennsylvania
   • U.S. presidents

4. Choose a Keyword

   Another player chooses a five-letter keyword. Each player writes this word across the top of the grid (again, not in the boxes), one letter above each column.

   Keywords cannot have repeating letters (e.g., PIPES would be an illegal keyword because it has two Ps). Keywords also should not include Q, X, or Z, unless the players want a serious challenge.

Gameplay

1. Set a Time Limit

   The players need to agree to a time limit for filling in the entire grid—anywhere from five to 10 minutes, depending on the skill of the players.

2. Start the Timer

   Now you are ready to play the game. Start the timer and begin.

3. Begin Filling in the Grid

   Each player tries to fill in the grid with words that fit into the categories and start with the letters of the keyword. For example, if the category is "type of birds" and the letter is "C," an entry could be "cardinal."

   Tip

   For proper names, the last name should be used (e.g., George Bush would fit under “B” but not “G”). In cases where a person goes by only a single name (e.g., Shakira or Madonna), that name should be used.

Scoring

1. Read Answers

   When the time limit is up, players stop filling in the grid. Players compare their answers, one box at a time. Each player announces the word in the box (if they have one).

2. Apply Points

   One point is given to a player who has a unique word that none of the other players have written in their grids.

   Tip

   If a word is of questionable legitimacy, the players should vote on whether or not to accept it.

3. Tally Points

   After all 25 blocks are scored, players total their points.

4. Declare a Winner

   The player with the most points wins.