Apples to Apples Junior Game

Compare and Contrast to Win

My son got Apples to Apples Junior for his birthday and the entire family plus some friends have been enjoying the hilarity that ensues. This multi-player card game invites everyone to make connections between words to win the game.

You may be familiar with the regular version of Apples to Apples. This junior version includes words that kids recognize and more references to kids’ programming. It has fewer cultural references to shows and celebrities that aren’t kid friendly, and simpler and easier to read words in general. In order to get the most out of the game, kids need to be literate. It only works with three or more players, though the more people who play, the more fun it is.

Each player gets a turn to be the judge, who lays down a green “apple” card with a single word or phrase on it. All other players look at the five red cards in their hands, and choose the one they think best matches the word on the face up green card. They place their chosen red apple cards face down on the table, where they get shuffled. The judge then reviews all the red cards submitted and chooses one card. The person who laid down the winning red apple card receives that green apple card and the first person to collect four green apple cards wins. 

This game is perfect for the holidays and family gatherings. It can be played quickly, in 15-20 minutes, but you can easily change the rules to make it last longer or accommodate younger players. You don’t need a lot of small pieces to play, and everyone, regardless of age, has an equal chance of winning, as it doesn’t require any strategy skills. Yet it still builds vocabulary and critical thinking skills. It works for everyone, even If you’ve got a big group with a wide variety of ages and interests, thanks to the common references and hundreds of cards.