How To Play Consequences: Hilarious Party Game Guide

by Pedro Alvarez 53 views

Hey guys! Ever feel like your parties need a little spark? Want a game that's guaranteed to produce laugh-out-loud moments and create some truly memorable stories? Then you absolutely need to learn how to play Consequences! This classic parlor game is perfect for groups of friends, family gatherings, or even icebreakers at events. It's super easy to learn, requires nothing more than paper and pens, and the results are often hilariously unpredictable. So, grab your pals, get ready to write, and let's dive into the wonderful world of Consequences!

What is Consequences?

At its core, Consequences is a collaborative storytelling game where each player contributes a piece of the narrative without knowing what others have written. This element of surprise is what makes the game so funny and engaging. Imagine a mad-libs style story being built piece by piece, with unexpected twists and turns at every corner. The beauty of Consequences lies in its simplicity; anyone can play, regardless of age or creative writing experience. It's all about embracing the randomness and enjoying the ride. Think of it as a literary potluck where everyone brings a dish, but nobody knows what the complete meal will taste like until the very end. The game's unpredictable nature fosters creativity, encourages spontaneous humor, and provides an excellent platform for laughter and bonding among players.

The game revolves around a series of questions or prompts, each focusing on a different element of a story – characters, settings, actions, and outcomes. Players take turns answering these prompts on a piece of paper, folding the paper to conceal their answers, and then passing it on to the next person. This ensures that no one sees what others have written until the very end, preserving the element of surprise and contributing to the game's inherent humor. The prompts themselves can be tailored to suit the group's preferences and sense of humor, allowing for endless variations and possibilities. Whether you opt for classic prompts or create your own unique twists, the goal remains the same: to collaboratively build a story that is as surprising as it is entertaining. So, gather your friends, sharpen your pencils, and prepare for an evening of laughter and unexpected narratives – Consequences is about to begin!

How to Play Consequences: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. How exactly do you play Consequences? Don't worry; it's super simple! Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Gather Your Supplies

First things first, you'll need a few basic supplies: paper and pens (or pencils!). That's it! No fancy equipment needed for this one. The beauty of Consequences is its simplicity; it's a game that can be played virtually anywhere, anytime, with minimal preparation. A stack of plain paper, enough for each player to have their own sheet, is ideal. You can use lined paper or unlined, depending on your preference. Pens are generally the best choice for clarity and permanence, but pencils work just as well, especially if you anticipate some creative revisions along the way. The choice of writing utensil is entirely up to you – the important thing is to have something to write with! Once you've assembled your paper and pens, you're ready to move on to the next step in preparing for a hilarious game of Consequences.

2. Get Your Players Together

Consequences is best played with at least three people, but the more, the merrier! The more players you have, the more unpredictable and hilarious the stories will become. So, gather your friends, family, or colleagues and get ready for some collaborative storytelling fun. The ideal group size for Consequences is typically between four and eight players, as this allows for a good balance between individual contributions and the overall flow of the game. However, you can certainly play with a larger group if you're feeling adventurous, just be prepared for some potentially longer stories and a more chaotic narrative. Conversely, while three players is the minimum, the game can still be enjoyable with just two people, although the element of surprise may be slightly diminished. Ultimately, the best group size will depend on your preferences and the dynamics of your group. So, don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. Whether you're playing with a small gathering of close friends or a larger party crowd, Consequences is sure to provide a memorable and laughter-filled experience for everyone involved.

3. Understand the Prompts

This is where the magic happens! There's a set of prompts (questions) that each player will answer in turn. Here's a classic set, but feel free to get creative and make up your own!

  • The first player writes the name of a man.
  • The next player writes the name of a woman.
  • The next player writes where they met.
  • The next player writes what he wore.
  • The next player writes what she wore.
  • The next player writes what he said.
  • The next player writes what she said.
  • The next player writes what he did.
  • The next player writes what she did.
  • The next player writes what the consequence was.
  • The last player writes what the world said.

These prompts form the backbone of the Consequences game, guiding the collaborative storytelling process and ensuring that each player contributes a unique element to the narrative. The classic set of prompts, as listed above, covers a range of story components, from characters and settings to actions and outcomes, providing a well-rounded framework for creating a complete (and often hilarious) story. However, the beauty of Consequences lies in its adaptability; you are by no means limited to this traditional set of prompts. Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize the prompts to suit your group's interests, humor, and the specific occasion. You could introduce prompts related to current events, pop culture references, or even inside jokes within your group. The possibilities are endless! The key is to choose prompts that will spark imagination, encourage unexpected answers, and ultimately contribute to the overall amusement of the game. So, whether you stick to the classics or venture into uncharted territory, make sure your prompts are engaging and conducive to creating a story that is both surprising and entertaining.

4. The Writing Process

Each player takes a piece of paper and answers the first prompt at the top. Then, this is important, they fold the paper over to conceal their answer and pass it to the next person. Make sure only a small portion of the paper is visible for the next person to write on. This secrecy is crucial to the fun of Consequences! The element of surprise is what makes the game so hilarious, so it's essential that each player's contribution remains hidden until the very end. The folding technique is simple but effective; after writing your answer to the prompt, fold the paper over once or twice, depending on the size of the paper and the length of your answer, ensuring that your writing is completely concealed. The goal is to leave just enough space visible for the next player to write their response to the subsequent prompt. This process is repeated for each prompt in the sequence, with players passing their papers around the circle after each answer. As the papers circulate, the story begins to take shape, piece by piece, with each player unknowingly contributing to a narrative that is both collaborative and utterly unpredictable. The anticipation builds with each fold and pass, culminating in the grand reveal at the end of the game, when the full, hilarious story is finally unveiled.

5. The Reveal!

Once everyone has answered all the prompts, it's time for the grand reveal! One person unfolds a paper and reads the story aloud. Prepare for lots of laughter! This is the moment of truth, the culmination of all the collaborative writing and secret contributions. As the designated reader unfolds the paper, a sense of anticipation fills the room. What unexpected twists and turns will the story take? What hilarious combinations of characters, settings, and actions will emerge? The reader begins to read aloud, and the story unfolds, line by line, revealing the collective creativity (and often absurdity) of the group. It's at this point that the true magic of Consequences becomes apparent. The juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated answers, the unexpected turns of phrase, and the overall randomness of the narrative combine to create a story that is both unique and utterly entertaining. Laughter is almost guaranteed as the players hear their individual contributions woven into a cohesive (or not-so-cohesive) whole. The grand reveal is not just about reading the story; it's about sharing in the collective experience of creating something hilarious and memorable together. It's a moment of bonding, laughter, and appreciation for the unexpected turns that life (and Consequences) can take.

Tips for a Hilarious Game

Want to really ramp up the laughter? Here are a few tips for a truly hilarious game of Consequences:

  • Embrace the Absurd: Don't be afraid to write something silly or unexpected. The more outlandish, the better!
  • Think Creatively: Try to come up with answers that are unique and imaginative.
  • Tailor the Prompts: Customize the prompts to fit your group's sense of humor and interests.
  • Don't Overthink It: The best answers are often the ones that come to you spontaneously.
  • Have Fun! The most important thing is to relax, laugh, and enjoy the process of creating a silly story together.

1. Embrace the Absurd

The heart of Consequences lies in its capacity for sheer silliness, so don't hold back! This is your chance to unleash your inner comedian and contribute the most outlandish, unexpected answers you can conjure up. Forget about logic, coherence, and conventional storytelling; the more absurd your contributions, the funnier the overall story will become. Think of it as a creative free-for-all where the only rule is to embrace the ridiculous. Instead of writing a typical name for a character, why not choose something completely bizarre, like "Professor Snugglesworth" or "The Inflatable Flamingo"? Instead of a predictable setting, imagine a scene unfolding on a giant cheese grater or in a room filled with rubber chickens. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. The key is to let go of your inhibitions and embrace the silly side of storytelling. By injecting a healthy dose of absurdity into your answers, you'll not only make the game more hilarious but also encourage your fellow players to do the same. Remember, in Consequences, the most memorable stories are often the ones that defy all expectations and embrace the wonderfully weird.

2. Think Creatively

While embracing the absurd is crucial, it's equally important to exercise your creative muscles and come up with truly unique and imaginative answers. The more original your contributions, the more interesting and engaging the final story will be. Think beyond the obvious and try to approach each prompt from a fresh perspective. Instead of relying on clichés or predictable responses, challenge yourself to come up with something that no one else would think of. For example, when asked what a character said, consider crafting a line of dialogue that is both unexpected and revealing. Instead of a simple "Hello," perhaps the character utters a philosophical riddle or a nonsensical limerick. When describing what a character did, imagine an action that is both surprising and strangely compelling. Perhaps they juggled flaming marshmallows while reciting Shakespeare or built a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower out of toothpicks. The goal is to inject your answers with personality, wit, and a touch of the unexpected. By thinking creatively, you'll not only contribute to the humor of the game but also add depth and intrigue to the narrative. So, let your imagination run wild, explore uncharted territory, and see where your creativity takes you. The results may surprise you!

3. Tailor the Prompts

One of the best ways to personalize your Consequences experience and ensure a truly hilarious game is to tailor the prompts to fit your group's sense of humor and interests. While the classic set of prompts provides a solid foundation, don't be afraid to get creative and modify them to reflect your unique group dynamic. Think about your shared experiences, inside jokes, and common interests, and use these as inspiration for crafting new and engaging prompts. For example, if your group is obsessed with a particular TV show or movie, you could incorporate prompts related to the characters, plotlines, or memorable quotes. If you have a shared history of funny or embarrassing moments, you could create prompts that subtly reference these events. The key is to make the prompts as relevant and relatable as possible, as this will encourage more personal and humorous responses from the players. You could even turn it into a collaborative effort, brainstorming new prompts together as a group before the game begins. This will not only ensure that everyone is on board with the changes but also add to the anticipation and excitement of the game. So, don't be afraid to break free from the traditional prompts and create your own unique set that perfectly captures the essence of your group's humor and personality. The more personalized the prompts, the more hilarious the game is likely to be!

Ready to Play?

So, there you have it! You're now equipped to play Consequences and unleash some serious laughter at your next gathering. It's a fantastic game for all ages and a guaranteed way to create some unforgettable memories. Grab your friends, get writing, and prepare for some hilarious Consequences!