Average game duration: 30 minutes.
This is how to play Apples to Apples with three players for the times when you want to play this 4+ player game but only have 3 people present.
- Sit as you would normally for the game but make room for a mock player. If it helps, you can add a stuffed animal or nameplate for the person — make it fun!
This is so that you remember how to play this variation. By establishing an actual spot for the mock person, it makes it easier to remember they’re ‘playing’ as well plus, who knows, they might even win!
- Deal out cards to the players, including the mock player.
- When playing, go clockwise and skip the mock player as a judge. On all rounds, however, always throw in a card without, looking at it, from the mock player.
This is their entry. Don’t look at it, it will be random, but sometimes these can be the most interesting. You’ll know which one is theirs because it won’t be one from the actual players after the round was judged.
- When the current judge of the round selects their favorite card, if it is neither of the present player’s cards, then it must be the mock player’s that won. They get the card just as a real person would.
Be sure to keep track of the number of cards the mock player has, as they may be able to hit the winning number of cards before the actual players.
You can also play with three players by having each of the two card submitting players play two cards each so that the judge gets four cards to choose from. This is best for when the players are competitive and would rather not introduce a mock player that may win!