We all love a good board game or card game, don’t we? But sometimes we yearn for something simpler and just fast and fun! If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, then the ‘5 Second Rule game’ could be exactly what you need.
We all love a good RPG board game or in-depth strategy game, but we don’t always have the time to play them. The 5 Second Rule game is the perfect alternative offering you a simple, fast card game.
What is The 5 Second Rule Game?
The 5 Second Rule game is deceptively simple. Each card asks you to name three things. For example, the card might say, “Name three breeds of dog.” Sounds, easy right? But the catch is you only have 5 seconds to answer.
The unusual Twisting Timer will make players panic as it counts down. This means players will often shout out the first thing they think of. Which often leads to some hilarious answers! Michael Sistrunk designed the 5 Second Rule game.
Sistrunk was a big board game fan as a child and made up plenty of fun games he’d played with his friends. The 5 Second Rule game was one of his favorites, and after seeing how much his friends enjoyed it, he decided to try and get it published.
To do this, he sent the game to the toy and games company PlayMonster. The PlayMonster team enjoyed the game and decided to take on the publishing. While it doesn’t quite rival all the themed Monopoly sets out there, a few different versions of the 5 Second Rule game are available today.
What You’ll Need?
If you want to give The 5 Second Rule game a go, then you’ll need a game set. While there are numerous different sets available, we suggest sticking to the standard 5 Second Rule game set.
You can see an example of this product below.
Other sets include a Junior version that you may want to consider if you are playing with young children. And there is an uncensored version and a more challenging version as well. You can see some of these products below.
One of the great things about the 5 Second Rule game is that it doesn’t need much equipment. You’ll get plenty of cards and a rather interesting timer. Let’s take a look at both of these components in more detail.
The Cards
The cards are the most important component of the 5 Second Rule game. You get around 150 cards in most sets. Each card will follow the same structure. It will say “Name 3” followed by a random category. The cards come with their box, which you can use to keep them safe.
The Timer
The timer in the 5 Second Rule game is very interesting. Rather than a stopwatch, this timer uses a ball that travels down a spiral-like pole. You flip the timer over to start it. What’s fun about this is that the timer makes an interesting sound as it travels. So, players will really feel the pressure when playing.
5 Second Rule Rules and Gameplay
The Aim of The Game
The 5 Second Rule game is designed to be a fun, fast, party game. If you don’t have much time to play, then it’s easy to recommend. The game is best with three or more players but is suitable for larger group play as well.
While games like Cards Against Humanity don’t have a point structure, the 5 Second Rule game does. Although you certainly don’t need to use it. Many people play this game only for fun. However, if you follow the standard rules, points are awarded, and there will be a winner at the end of the game.
Setting Up
Once all players are seated, open the card box and place it in the center, along with the timer. Decide together how many rounds you want to play. The 5 Second Rule game is quite fast, so even many rounds can go by quickly.
It is recommended that larger groups of players play fewer rounds, though. Once all this is decided, choose which player will go first. This player is then in the “Hot Seat,” once this player finishes their turn, play continues to the right.
Playing and Winning
So, once you are in the Hot Seat, what do you do? You first draw a card and then read it out loud to the other players. Once finished, you or another player should immediately flip the timer over. You’ll then have 5 seconds to give your three answers.
If you can give three answers before the timer finishes, you score a point. To mark this, you should keep the card in front of you. Play then continues with the next player once they have drawn a new card.
Now, if you don’t give three correct answers, play continues to the next player. However, that player will be answering the same question. They also can’t use any answers that have already been said.
Suppose no player is able to answer the question correctly, and the card goes all the way to the first player who originally had it. In that case, they’ll then win one point by default. They should then collect that card as well. This is unlikely, but it can happen!
After your agreed number of rounds have been played, the player with the most points wins. If there is a tie, then both players will play one more round. The oldest player goes first and will have the first attempt at winning the game. If they aren’t able to score three correct answers, then the other player will take their turn.
Is That The Right Answer?
So, now you know how to play the 5 Second Rule game. There is one last thing to know, and that is how the right answers are decided. While this will be pretty self-explanatory, there may be some questions that have divisive answers.
If this happens then, the group should decide whether they consider an answer right or not. A player can also lookup an answer. Again this is rare, but it can happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
The 5 Second Rule – Fast and Furious Fun!
The 5 Second Rule game is ideal for family game nights, parties, and much more. It’s simple and easy to play with, and because of its fast nature, you’ll never get bored. The game might sound easy, but when you’re racing against the clock, even a simple question can seem impossible to answer.
