On Q Rules

We suggest you take a little time to read our ideas about the different ways of playing On Q.

Informal versions are a good way to play a 'game' with people who don't like games. Play before, after or during a meal; over the weekend; in a car; on a train; in a plane; at a workshop or in a tutor group; in the park; with family, friends, or strangers. There are no winners or losers, and there is no time limit. It makes a perfect icebreaker and also a great way for any group to find out more about one another.

Team versions invite collaboration but with an optional competitive edge. They have more structure and you will need to spend at least a couple of hours together to make it worthwhile. Younger people (and some older ones too) are more easily kept in their seats if they think they can win. But to win you have to listen (something we can be lazy about sometimes). There is a 'guessing' round which reminds us of the prejudices and preconceptions we may hold about other people, and a story round that can give us a rare insight into someone else's world.

Informal versions

1. Normal informal

Use all the cards and the bag only.

Mix up the cards and put them in the bag or fan them out on a table. One person draws 3 Qcards, chooses the one they like best and returns the others. They read the question out loud, answer it and pass it on to someone else.

That person can decide whether they want to answer the same question and afterwards pass it on again, or they can select another question to answer and pass this new one on. Keep the answered Qcards to one side. Continue playing for an agreed time or until it seems right to stop. (Let everyone discuss the answers if they want to - that's the point of playing.)

1+ an extra round....

Put the answered Qcards into the bag or keep them separate. You'll need to have a reasonable number of them so these could be collected over a period of time - such as with a tutor group, over a longer workshop, over a weekend or Christmas holiday.

Each person takes a card from the bag, reads out the question and tries to remember and repeat the answer (or one of the answers) given earlier, naming the person who gave that answer.

2. Informal with zest

As above, but start by having one person draw a Qcard, choose who should answer it and hand it to them. Having answered it, that person can decide whether to pass the same question to someone else or draw a new Qcard and choose who should answer it.

(Some players may be kinder than others.)

2+ an extra round....

As above, but have one person pick a used Qcard, decide who to give it to and pass it to them. When they have answered, they pick a new card, look at it and decide who to pass it to.

3. Temptation

Leave a pack of cards on the table and wait for someone to pick them up and start reading them out. Wait for a card that gets people talking and then suggest that everybody answer the question in turn.

Team Versions

4. Team spirit

Organise two teams. Place the grey and pink Qcards face down on a table and the blank answer sheets within easy reach. Give each player a pencil. (If you know each other well, see version 5.)

First Round:

One person (the 'chooser') from the first team takes 3 grey cards, selects the one they like best and reads the question out loud to their team. (Unused cards go back into the pile.)

Each person in the team (including the chooser) writes a short answer (just a few key words) on a blank card, then answers the question fully and out loud - this will usually involve them telling a story.

Then it's the turn of the second team.

At the end of each round, fold the answer cards and put them into the bag.

(There is no guessing or scoring for this round but listen hard so that you can play the third round. You can play this round as often as you like.)

Second Round:

Start as you started the first round, but using the pink cards.

Each team member (including the chooser) writes their answer on a blank card. The chooser collects the answers, makes sure they're legible (ask the team for help if needed), and reads them (twice if necessary) to the other team.

The Timer is then set and the other team confer openly to decide who gave each answer. (They can be reminded of the question and answers as often as they like - but the timer is on!)

Then it's the turn of the second team. When both teams have played, put all answers in the bag.

Scoring: One point for a correct identification.

Repeat this round until everyone in the team has been a chooser or as many times as you like.

Third Round:

Each member of the first team in turn draws an 'answer' card out of the bag and tells their team whose answer it was and to which question. The chooser's team describe the answer on the card.

When each team member has had a go, it's the other team's turn. Continue until the answer cards have been used up. Passing one card may be allowed by agreement.

Scoring: one point for the chooser if he/she can remember the question and answer that prompted the answer that he can read on the card.
One point for the team's description of that answer.

The winning team scores the most points, though the game works just as well if you forget to score!

5. Team spirit - neat

If the players know each other well (family and friends in particular) play as above (Version 4) but you may prefer to start with the second 'guessing' round.

6. Team spirit - distilled

Play as in Version 4 or 5 but this time in the Third Round just give your team a ONE word 'clue'.

You cannot say anything else or give any other signs, help or clues. The rest of the team must agree what the answer is, who gave it, and what the question was. This brings in an element of charades if the third round seems too easy.

7. Team spirit - varied

Play as in any of the team games but this time allow each team member to select their own card. The opposite team now has to guess who answered which question.

8. Group Game

For up to six players. Use the pink cards.

No teams. The chooser picks the questions, which everyone answers, then reads out all the answers. Everyone tries to guess who said what. You can play this with or without scoring points.

9. Story Telling - Teams

Split into two teams and have each team pick one grey (story) card.

All team members then answer the question with one team member by agreement (use a coin to pass around team members under the table surreptitiously- the one with the coin lies) inventing their story. The other team must decide who was not telling the truth. Members of the second team then answer their own question. Play as many rounds as you like.