Pictionary (Online)

How to Play

Setup

1. Choose your platform: a dedicated game site (e.g., Skribbl.io) for built-in prompts and scoring, or a shared online whiteboard (Miro, Mural, Zoom Whiteboard, Microsoft Whiteboard) for a DIY version.
2. Prepare a word list if not using a platform with prompts. Include easy, medium, and challenging words (objects, actions, places). Aim for workplace-friendly and culturally inclusive terms.
3. Form teams of 3–6 players. Assign a facilitator (host) to manage time, scoring, and turn order, plus a timekeeper/scorer if needed.
4. Configure tech: ensure everyone can access the board, test pens/eraser, confirm chat works, and set permissions so only the current drawer can annotate if possible. Ask drawers to mute their mic during their turn.
5. Decide timing and scoring. Common options: 60–90 seconds per turn; 1 point to the drawing team when a teammate guesses correctly within time. Optional bonus: +1 for guesses within the first 30 seconds.
6. Establish turn order (e.g., rotate through each team member) and clarify whether guessing is team-only or all-play.

How to Play

1. Start a round: the host privately sends the word to the designated drawer (DM/chat), or the platform assigns it automatically. Only the drawer sees the word.
2. The drawer begins drawing immediately. No letters, numbers, or typing clues. Use simple shapes, icons, and arrows to guide teammates.
3. Guessing: teammates type guesses in the chat or platform guess box. In all-play mode, everyone can guess; the first correct answer wins the point.
4. Scoring: award points according to your chosen system. Announce the correct word and score at the end of each turn.
5. Rotate to the next drawer. Continue until each player has drawn at least once, or play for a set number of rounds (e.g., 2–3 cycles).
6. Declare the winning team based on total points. In a tie, run a sudden-death lightning round (30 seconds, first correct guess wins).

Rules

1. No letters, numbers, symbols that directly reveal the word, or writing any part of the word.
2. No verbal or typed hints from the drawer; guesses only. No acting or sound effects.
3. The drawer must use only drawing tools—no images, screenshots, or copy-paste.
4. Time limit is enforced; guesses after the buzzer do not count.
5. The host’s rulings on disputes (e.g., near-miss spellings) are final.

Tips

• Run a 30–60 second practice round to test tools and set expectations.
• Use big, bold strokes and contrasting colors; move from general outline to specific details.
• Keep word difficulty balanced; mix themes (household items, verbs, travel, tech) for variety.
• For large groups, use breakout rooms for simultaneous mini-games; winners face off in a final.
• Accessibility: describe where to find tools, allow color-blind-friendly palettes, and be mindful of bandwidth—turn off video if laggy.
• Prepare a backup: if the whiteboard lags, switch to a dedicated platform or simplified chat-based guessing.

Variations

• All-Play Free-For-All: everyone guesses; the drawer and the fastest correct guesser each earn a point.
• Team Relay: multiple drawers from the same team draw the same word simultaneously in breakout rooms; first team to guess scores.
• Themed Rounds: company values, industry jargon, seasonal topics, or pop culture.
• Lightning Mode: 30-second turns, no eraser, or non-dominant-hand drawing for extra challenge.
• Reverse Pictionary: one guesser draws while teammates give verbal clues (without saying taboo keywords).