Apples to Apples Board Games Catalog
Prepare for a riot of ridiculous comparisons with Apples to Apples, the definitive party game where subjective logic and pure absurdity rule the table. Since exploding onto the scene in 1999, this Mattel-published classic has turned millions of living rooms into arenas of high-stakes hilarity. Every round invites you to outwit your friends by pairing outrageous nouns with descriptive adjectives, ensuring that no two games ever feel the same. Whether you’re aiming for the most “stunning” match or the most “revolting” one, the simple mechanics make it an instant hit for groups of four to ten players. It’s a fast-paced race to collect Green Apple cards through wit, speed, and a deep understanding of your judge’s questionable sense of humor.
Top Apples to Apples Board Games
Apples to Apples Party Box
This definitive edition serves as the ultimate social catalyst, featuring over 1,000 cards that provide endless hours of subjective, hilarious comparisons for large groups.
Apples to Apples Junior
Designed specifically for players aged nine and up, this version uses age-appropriate vocabulary and relatable themes to ensure the whole family can join the fun without missing a beat.
Apples to Apples Big Picture
This visually engaging twist swaps text-based red cards for wacky photos, challenging players to find the perfect descriptive match for a variety of absurd and colorful images.
Apples to Apples turns every gathering into a comedy club where the most outrageous comparison always takes the trophy.
Diverse Editions for Every Occasion
Core Party Experiences
The flagship Apples to Apples Party Box serves as the ultimate social catalyst, packed with over 500 cards designed to keep groups of up to ten people laughing for hours.
Junior and Kids Editions
Tailored for younger minds, the Junior and Kids variants provide age-appropriate vocabulary and relatable themes that allow children as young as seven to join in the strategic silliness.
Themed and Expansion Sets
Beyond the classics, specialized themed editions dive into specific pop culture niches or provide fresh batches of adjectives to ensure the gameplay never feels stale.
Player Experiences
Julianna Rodriguez After bringing the Party Box to our annual family reunion, I realized I never truly knew my relatives until I saw my grandmother argue that “The Loch Ness Monster” is the most “Cuddly” thing on Earth. The game is incredibly easy to set up, which is a lifesaver when you have ten people talking at once, and the quality of the card stock has held up surprisingly well even after several spilled drinks. We ended up playing for three hours straight because nobody wanted to stop until we had cycled through every single green card in the box.
Marcus Thorne I recently picked up Apples to Apples Junior for my twin boys’ ninth birthday party, and it was the absolute highlight of the afternoon for a group of energetic kids. It’s rare to find a game that actually helps with their vocabulary and descriptive skills while they’re busy laughing their heads off at the “Smelly” or “Shiny” combinations they come up with. The cards are perfectly sized for smaller hands, and the simplified rules meant I didn’t have to spend the whole time acting as a referee; they just got it immediately.
Silas Vance As someone who hosts a weekly game night, I’ve found that the core Apples to Apples set is the perfect “icebreaker” for when new people join the group and things feel a bit stiff. There is a specific kind of magic in the “blind judging” mechanic because it removes the pressure of being right and replaces it with the joy of being funny. My favorite moment so far was winning a round by matching “Internal Revenue Service” with the card “Frightening”—the entire room erupted because it was just too accurate.
Apples to Apples FAQ
How many players can participate in a single game?
Apples to Apples is designed for groups of 4 to 10 players, making it a versatile choice for everything from small family gatherings to larger dinner parties.
What is the difference between Red Apple and Green Apple cards?
Red Apple cards represent nouns (people, places, things, or events), while Green Apple cards feature adjectives or descriptions that players must match using their Red Apple cards.
How do you determine the winner of a round?
The player acting as the “Judge” for that round reads all submitted Red Apple cards and selects the one they believe best matches the Green Apple card based on humor, logic, or pure whim.
What are the win conditions for the game?
To win the entire game, a player must collect a specific number of Green Apple cards, which typically varies by group size: 8 cards for 4 players, 7 for 5 players, 6 for 6 players, 5 for 7 players, and 4 for 8–10 players.
Is there an age-appropriate version for younger children?
Yes, Mattel offers “Apples to Apples Junior” (ages 9+) and “Apples to Apples Kids” (ages 7+), which feature simplified vocabulary and themes tailored for younger audiences.
Can you play with only three people?
While the official rules recommend a minimum of four players to ensure a variety of card choices for the judge, some groups play with three by having each player submit two Red Apple cards per round or using a “ghost” player from the deck.
What is the “Quick Pick” rule?
The “Quick Pick” is an optional speed variant where, in larger groups, the last person to place their Red Apple card on the table has their card disqualified for that round.