How to Play

Telestrations After Dark is the adult version of the classic drawing and guessing game, perfect for a fun night with friends. Players draw a word or phrase, pass it along, and watch how the message hilariously changes through each round.

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Game Set-Up

1. Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the Telestrations After Dark box, which includes drawing books, dry-erase markers, clean-up cloths, and cards with adult-themed words.

2. Distribute Materials: Each player gets a drawing book, a marker, and a clean-up cloth.

3. Set Player Numbers: The game is best played with 4 to 8 players.

4. Determine Starting Numbers: Each player writes their name on the front cover of their sketchbook and turns to page 1, writing their player number (1 through the number of players) on the first page.

5. Shuffle Cards: Place the deck of cards in the center within reach of all players.​

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How to Play

1. Choose a Word: Each player secretly rolls the die to determine the word category on their card. They choose the corresponding word or phrase and write it on page 1 of their sketchbook. If no die is available, players choose any word they want from their card.

2. Draw It: Flip to the next page and draw the word within the allotted time (usually 60 seconds). Keep the drawing simple; stick figures are encouraged!

3. Pass It On: When time’s up, everyone passes their sketchbook to the player on their left.

4. Guess It: The next player looks at the drawing and flips to the following page, writing down what they think the drawing is without looking back at the original word. Then they pass it to the next player.

5. Repeat: Continue alternating drawing and guessing until each sketchbook has gone around the circle and returns to its original owner.

6. The Big Reveal: Each player takes turns showing how their word or phrase transformed throughout the game, revealing each guess and drawing in order. Enjoy the laughs as the drawings and guesses often take hilarious twists!

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Game Rules

1. No Words Allowed: Drawings must be purely visual; no letters, numbers, or symbols that resemble the word (e.g., $ for money).

2. Keep It Quick: Stick to the time limit for each drawing or guess to keep the game moving and exciting.

3. One Page Only: Draw on the designated page; no flipping back to check previous work.

4. Guess What You See: Always guess based on the drawing, not what you think the original word might have been.

5. No Sharing: Don't discuss drawings or guesses with others during the round.

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Variations to Play

1. Double Trouble: Use two sketchbooks per person, with each player working on two words simultaneously. Twice the drawings, double the laughs!

2. Timed Challenge: Shorten the drawing time to 30 seconds for more frantic and often funnier drawings. This variation adds urgency and ups the humor.

3. Mystery Deck: Instead of rolling a die to choose a word, the previous player picks the word for you without revealing it. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability.

4. Mixed Media: Allow players to use different drawing materials, like highlighters or crayons, to make drawings more colorful and chaotic. Each player can select one additional medium at the start.

5. Silent Round: During one round, no one is allowed to speak or make any noise while passing or playing. This quiet, focused round contrasts the usual hilarity.

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Host Tips

• Provide Snacks and Drinks: Keep the energy up with snacks and refreshments, and ensure a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

• Encourage Creativity: Remind players that Telestrations After Dark is about fun, not artistic skill. The messier, the better!

• Set the Tone: Keep the game light-hearted and remind everyone it’s all in good fun. Embrace the awkward moments!

• Clean as You Go: Provide extra clean-up cloths and markers so everyone can easily erase their drawings before the next round.

• Prepare for Laughter: Encourage everyone to have fun, laugh at themselves, and enjoy the wild transformations that occur throughout the game.

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Enjoy the hilarity and surprises of Telestrations After Dark, and let the good times roll!