"alias" board game. Alias or Say otherwise - Let's play together! DIY board game Alias
The game Say Otherwise is played in teams of two or more people. The main idea of the game is to explain words to your teammates in other words, using for example synonyms, antonyms and clues so that your team members can guess as many words as possible before time runs out. The more words a team guesses, the more steps it can take on the playing board. In the game Say Otherwise/Party, words can be explained in completely new and incredible ways. The team that reaches the finish line first wins the game.
Progress of the game
Errors and omissions
If the explaining player makes a mistake, for example, he names part of the word indicated on the card, the word will not be accepted and the team must make one move back. Therefore, each team must listen carefully to the explanations of other teams. For example, if a team guessed 6 words, but the explainer made two mistakes, then the team moves 4 fields forward (6-2 = 4). If a word seems too heavy, you can skip it, but remember that this will cost you one move back. However, sometimes it's worth it because you can save time.Explanation of the "Party" field
Every time a team manages to successfully complete the task of the “Party” field, they have the right to spin a top, which gives bonus points (1-3). This means that the team can advance the number of spaces they guessed, plus the number of steps indicated by the arrow. The hourglass is used in the same way as in normal explanations.The game Say Otherwise is played in teams of two or more people. The main idea of the game is to explain words to your teammates in other words, using for example synonyms, antonyms and clues so that your team members can guess as many words as possible before time runs out. The more words a team guesses, the more steps it can take on the playing board. In the game Say Otherwise/Party, words can be explained in completely new and incredible ways. The team that reaches the finish line first wins the game.
Progress of the game
Errors and omissions
If the explaining player makes a mistake, for example, he names part of the word indicated on the card, the word will not be accepted and the team must make one move back. Therefore, each team must listen carefully to the explanations of other teams. For example, if a team guessed 6 words, but the explainer made two mistakes, then the team moves 4 fields forward (6-2 = 4). If a word seems too heavy, you can skip it, but remember that this will cost you one move back. However, sometimes it's worth it because you can save time.Explanation of the "Party" field
Every time a team manages to successfully complete the task of the “Party” field, they have the right to spin a top, which gives bonus points (1-3). This means that the team can advance the number of spaces they guessed, plus the number of steps indicated by the arrow. The hourglass is used in the same way as in normal explanations.The classic board game Alias is also known as "Say Otherwise" or, in the home version, "The Hat." For family gatherings and parties, Alias is the most suitable game and one of the most popular. There is an online version.
Game "Alias": understand me, understand!
What is the game "Alias"?
The point of the game "Alias" is to guess words. The words written on the cards need to be explained to other participants. The team is given points for correct answers. Dynamic and fun.
There are many variations: the board game “Elias for the whole family”, and a fun game for any company “alias party”, and “alias for kids” (“alias junior”) and many others.
Packaging, design and localization
Alies game was developed in the 90s in Finland. “Alias” in English means “otherwise called” (all variants “Ellis”, “Elios”, “Ales”, “Alles”, “Aleas”, “Alies” and even “Alliance” are also her). Over the past time, cards with words have conquered many countries of the world and “multiplied” into a bunch of different versions, and reviews about it filled the Internet pages.
The design of Alice's game boxes changes regularly, and even more so from expansion to expansion. The quality of the cards also “floats” slightly, depending on what kind of alias the printing house printed today. You can recognize the original edition by the “Tactic” logo and the word “Alias” written in a proprietary font. In any case, the board game Alias and “Say Otherwise”, and “Party”, and “For Children” will delight you with its content.
The “alias party” and “alias party 2” sets have an additional field with a rotating arrow. “Alias the crazy version” will entertain you with an incredible number of ways of explanation, and “Alias the brilliant version” will force you to completely invent words yourself based on the dropped letters.
In Russia, the game Alice is released in Russian or in two languages with Russian rules.
The point of the game "Alias" is to guess words.
Complete set of the classic "Alias"
In the box you will find:
- a playing field with a counter for guessed words;
- cards for the game “Alias”, made in high-quality printing – 300 pieces;
- figurine chips of different colors - 6 pieces;
- hourglass (so you don't relax).
Cards
Each card has 8 different words - a total of 2400. In some editions, for example "Alias 3", instead of a back on the cards, words are written in English, that is, in fact, you get two sets - Russian and English.
Playing field
Pay attention to the numbering on the game board - every 8 steps it starts anew, and the number in the circle means the serial number of the hidden word. But, for example, in “alias junior” there are no numbers at all - only start and finish points.
Equipment for the game Alias
Number of players
What’s great about the Alias game is that it can be played by an almost unlimited number of people. Although 4 to 12 participants are recommended, you can gather a larger group and play with two people, or even alone if you take the online version. Emotions are guaranteed in any case, and the complexity of the game depends on the level of erudition of those present.
The game Alias can be played by an almost unlimited number of people.
Rules of the game Alias
The basic rules of the word game alias are simple and apply to all sets from “alias family” and “alias junior” to “alias party”. Anyone who has played at least once will not forget them.
How to correctly explain words
Progress of the game
Participants are divided into several teams (up to six), each with at least 2 people. The team takes a chip and places it on the field, determining the order of moves by drawing lots, counting, tossing a coin, or otherwise. The entire deck of cards is shuffled and divided equally between the teams.
The team determines who will guess and who will guess. Usually the roles change during the game. The guesser takes the entire deck in his hands, turns the clock over and begins to explain the words. He does not take them in a row or at random - the number of the word must correspond to the number on which their team chip is located.
For example: the chip is on the field with the number “3”, which means it explains the word number 3. As soon as the correct answer is given, this card is put aside and the explanation for the third word is announced on the next one, and so on for as long as possible.
Important: the words must be guessed exactly in the form in which they are indicated. The singular number instead of the plural, synonyms, simply the same root are not counted.
While the sand is pouring in the hourglass, you need to have time to explain as many words as possible. For each correct answer, the team is awarded 1 point, and the chip takes a step forward.
As soon as the clock runs out of sand, the other team shouts “Stop!” If the explanation is interrupted in the middle, then all teams can race to guess it and earn 1 extra point.
Afterwards, the used cards are removed to the bottom of the pile, and the turn is transferred to the next team.
For the game, private players are divided into several teams.
Robbery
There are circles on the field marked with a thief figure. If a team passes by this, then on the next turn they act according to the following scheme:
- do not use hourglasses;
- guess words from only five cards;
- and most importantly, any team can give answers and receive points for them.
There is no such clause in the “alias for kids” - so as not to complicate the rules and not cause offense among the participants.
Scoring
At the end of each turn, points are counted. For each word guessed, 1 point is awarded, allowing you to take a step forward. For each word that is not guessed or missed (if the player cannot explain the word, it can be skipped) - 1 penalty point. “Penalty” cards are placed in a separate pile. It’s easy to get a fine if you name the word itself or the same root when explaining it. For the amount of fines, the team moves back along the field.
Victory
The winning conditions are even simpler than the rules. You just need to be the first to reach the finish line. Therefore it is required:
- explain quickly and clearly;
- avoid reservations;
- Don't skip cards.
Whoever is the fastest and smartest will win the game.
The fastest and most savvy will win the game.
Purpose of the game
The far-reaching goal of “Alias, or Say Otherwise” is the development of vocabulary and intelligence. A list of words may be completely unexpected and open up gaps in your knowledge.
If in editions for adults the main reason why they sit down to play is the desire to have fun and have a crazy time, then the children's analogue, Elias Junior, is even more educational than entertaining, with a cheerful playing field.
The goal of the game “Alias, or Say Otherwise” is to develop vocabulary and intelligence.
Major Additions
As already mentioned, the game has many versions - both stand-alone and compatible with the basic set. These are “alias for kids”, and “alias party”, and travel kits, and completely crazy and unusual ones.
"Elias Compact"
A very, very compact version that is easy to take with you. Only 800 words on 50 double-sided cards and a small playing field. A group of Elias fans will love the ability to simply throw the pack into their bag and enjoy the game anytime, anywhere.
Board game "Alias junior"
The “alias for children” set is the simplest “guessing game” in the entire series. It is suitable even for those kids who do not yet know how to read, because there is only one word on the cards, and each is accompanied by a picture. You can explain not only with phrases, but also with singing or just sounds. If you guess right, you step forward; if you don’t guess right, you step back. There are no unnecessary complications in “alias junior”.
The Elias Junior Compact game differs from it only in a small box that you can put in your pocket and then entertain the kids on the road. And for a children's party, an “Elias party for children” is suitable - with additional tasks that make the process more fun.
Set of "alias for children".
Board game "Alias party"
The board game "Elias Party" will be an indispensable addition to a fun party. Simple basic rules diversify the new ways of explanation found on the field, and roulette introduces an element of surprise. There are as many as 400 cards, among them not only ordinary words, but also lists of celebrities and emotions.
An indispensable addition to a fun party.
The “Party 2” set also includes forfeits, which can further entertain the party in the process of guessing the mystery. “Elias Party Compact” is a small box with fifty double-sided cards and a notepad instead of a playing field.
For “Elias Party” the “Crazy Version” (“alias crazy”) will be an excellent competitor, which will blow everyone’s mind with as many as two hundred ways of explanation. Of course, you can refuse to participate in this madness and explain, as usual, but then you will have to move across the field not forward, but backward, which is somewhat offensive.
“Elias the Crazy Version” will blow your mind with as many as two hundred ways of explanation.
"Elias genius version" especially for scholars.
Game Alice Super-simulator for erudites! The cards have not words, but letters, and from the letters you get, you first need to come up with something, and only then explain it. If it’s really difficult, you can pay with points to replace the letters.
"Elias for the whole family"
“Alias Family” is a kind chamber edition that can be played by groups of three or more people. The teams are formed anew every turn. The cards have two levels of difficulty - “family” and “adults”. The goal is not to tear apart your rivals, but to have a fun evening with your family.
"Elias Who am I?"
200 cards with celebrities that players become during their turn. The explainer’s task is to describe the person whose card is attached to the guesser’s forehead. At speed, of course.
Another great party version. Girls go to one team, boys to another. Ladies have a deck with various “masculine” concepts, for example, “tool belt,” while gentlemen have a deck with “feminine” ones, like “studs” or “eye cream.” And try to explain!
In this version it's girls versus boys.
By and large, all games, except for “alias for kids,” can be combined with the base game and with each other.
Alias is one of the popular games, but many people know it under a different name: “Say it differently.” A game of logic, speed of thinking and the ability to play in a team. The rules are simple, the game is compact, easy to take on the road or to visit friends.
Alias is a board game whose goal is to explain the hidden word in other words. The game helps to expand your vocabulary and improve your speech. Another name for this game is “Say Otherwise.” Both children and adults can play.
Rules of the game alias
How to play the game Alias
Several teams, within the allotted time (the game comes with an hourglass), must quickly understand what word their player is trying to explain using synonyms and associations. There are different versions of the game, where in addition to cards with words there are fields, upon entering which you need to explain the words by standing on one leg or shaking your hand. There are games with certain field categories. If the chip lands on it, you can choose a category.
Game alias cards with words
Game alias print cards
Alias game for children
The difference from the adult version is in lighter words (body parts, animals, food, furniture). The words are not only written, but also drawn. The rules are somewhat simplified, because children can explain the word with sounds (cow - mu), select antonyms and synonyms. Players move chips by the number of moves indicated on the die. The word is guessed - the player rolls the dice further, if the word is not guessed - the other player moves. The game is designed for children aged five years and older.
Words for the game alias, list
- Animals (peacock, horse, jaguar)
- Professions and titles (cook, taxi driver, duke, general)
- Transport (trolleybus, plane)
- Sports (football, tennis)
- Clothes (kimono, panama)
- Nature (spring, waterfall, constellation)
- Dancing (tango, paso doble)
- Furniture (table, bed)
- Events (excursion, fair, festival)
- Art (icon, statue)
- Body parts and internal organs (stomach, liver)
- Adjectives (tall, voluminous)
- Two words in the composition (solar eclipse, polar bear, contact lenses)
- Countries (Chile, Serbia)
- Verbs (wrap, multiply)
Alias junior game
In the Junior version, the cards have a word and an image. Words from simple categories: dishes, animals, nature, interior. There are many clues you can use: sounds, synonyms and antonyms. Number of players from 2 people.
Alias game for a party
The rules in this game are the same as in the standard one. The difference is that the cards are divided into categories: celebrities, words, emoticons (you need to explain the emotions), poses. The playing field is in the form of a roulette, which field the arrow points to, and from there you need to take a card. The game has colored fields for chips. Blue means that the player must explain the words while standing in a certain position or performing movements. A yellow box will force the player to explain words with a certain mood. White field - you must combine all the words from the card into one story (you can name the words).
Alias family game
In the family version of Alias, each family member plays for himself. To decide on a partner who must guess the words, you need to spin the roulette. At the end, both players receive points for guessing the words. This game can be played by a family of three or more people.
Game alias video
DIY alias game, step by step guide
Material:
- White paper
- Cardboard
- Hourglass or regular clock with second hand
- Multi-colored buttons
- Scissors
Progress:
The game is suitable for home gatherings, or for passing the time while traveling. It can be presented to friends or family for a small celebration.
For example, the word "bicycle" can be explained as "a vehicle with two wheels and pedals without a motor."
The game "Alias", or in the Russian version "Say Otherwise", is a great way to have fun in any company. Both children and adults can play it. The goal of the game is to explain the hidden word to your partners.
For example, the word "bicycle" can be explained as "a vehicle with two wheels and pedals, without a motor."
When explaining, it is prohibited to use words of the same root, to translate the word into another language, or to use gestures.
The game appeared about 20 years ago and very quickly gained popularity all over the world.
The minimum number of players is 4 people - two teams of 2 people. There is a version of the game for 3 people, but I’ll talk about it below. The maximum number of players in the classic version is 12 people. That is, 6 teams of 2 players. But you can play with a large number of participants, just each team will have 3 players.
What do you need to play?
To play Alias you need to have:
1. Playing field. This is the field I made myself. If you wish, you can download it from the link below.
2. Game chips and hourglass.
Chips can be taken from any children's board game. You can take multi-colored buttons. You can make chips from colored plasticine. Each team needs one chip.
Hourglasses are harder to find. Of course, you can buy them in bookstores or souvenir shops. But you can do without them just fine by using a regular watch with a second hand. Or you can designate one of the players as the “counter”. The counter will count steadily from 1 to 100. And during this time the teams solve the words.
3. Cards with words.
Regular cards for the Alias game look like this:
If the game is intended for kids who cannot yet read or read poorly, the cards can be made like this:
Rules of the game
All players are divided into teams of 2 people (or more if there are more than 12 players).
Each team chooses a game piece for itself.
All chips are placed at the starting position of the playing field.
The cards are thoroughly mixed and laid out in a stack face down in the center of the table next to the field.
The team starting the game is determined by lot or counting. Further, as the game progresses, teams have the right to move clockwise.
The time is noted (the hourglass turns over or the stopwatch starts).
The first player on the team takes a card, reads the first word to himself and tries to explain it to his teammate. You cannot use words and gestures of the same root. The second player on the team, in turn, tries to guess by naming the expected word. You have to guess accurately. That is, if the original word is “bun”, you need to name it exactly, the word “bun” will not work.
As soon as the word is guessed, the player takes the second card.
If you can’t guess the word, you can say “PASS” and take a new card. But for each unsolved word a penalty point is awarded.
When time runs out, the points earned by the team are counted. Each guessed word is plus one point, each unsolved word is minus one point. The team piece moves across the playing field by the number of points scored.
The turn goes to the second team.
When the turn goes to the team that has already played, the players change roles. The one who explained the word will guess, and the one who guessed will explain.
Additional terms
If the game is played with cards with 8 words written on them, you need to guess the word with the number that is written in a circle under the team chip. Look carefully! On the playing field there is a number in each circle of the track.
Some mugs have smiley faces on them. From such a circle the arrow leads either forward or backward. Accordingly, when a chip lands on such a field, it must be moved in the indicated direction.
Game for 3 participants
If there are only three people who want to play, you can arrange it as follows.