Wordner

Description

Similar to party games like Apples To Apples, this small or large group party game consists of a judge revealing a fill-in-the-blank sentence. Players complete the sentence using their word cards and creativity.

Why we like it

Similar to party games like Apples To Apples, Wordner is a free game with online and printable resources that can be adapted in multiple ways via online meeting and training platforms. It’s great for impromptu presentations or simply kicking back and having fun. The facilitator may have other card-based party games that can be run in a similar fashion.

Original game play and website

Check out the Wordner website for full instructions, on-screen card demonstrations, live online games with strangers or your own small group, and printable Wordner game cards.

Basic game play

1. One player is appointed as a Judge. The Judge shows a blue card with a sentence to complete.
Example: My secret talent is…

2. All other players complete the sentence based on one, two, or three words on their orange cards. This sentence completion is called a Wordner.
Example words: Cat, Heroic, Wrinkle
Example Wordner: …I can climb like a cat.
Another example Wordner: …I am as heroic as an elderly Catwoman with wrinkles.

3. The Judge chooses the best Wordner based on his/her subjective opinion. The winning player receives 1 point. The winner can become the next Judge, or the Judge role can rotate ensuring all players eventually judge a round. Note: The facilitator might advise certain judging criteria.

For the sake of simplicity, we will assume this basic game play sequence in the processes below.

Game card facilitation tips

The facilitator should prepare materials in advance. Blue cards and orange cards likely need separate distribution. Examples:

a) Sending the original Wordner PDF with all blue cards and all orange cards to the participants.
b) Sending all orange cards to participants, but not blue cards.
c) Having players print (and cut) cards or keeping them digital
d) Having screenshots of specific cards or specific PDF pages ready to send participants
e) Typing out cards for quick copy and paste (no PDFs for original cards used with participants)
f) Method of sending cards: email, file in Chat, screen share, pre-organized links, etc.
g) Facilitator may want to create their own new cards to expand on the available cards or to make the game more specific to the audience or program topic.

Process #1: Quick chat

A quick round and/or large group

1. Facilitator shares orange card words with participants. Note: Participants could share the entire orange card word bank or could receive their personal, private orange card words.
2. Facilitator acts as Judge and reveals a blue card sentence.
3. Participants choose any available words and submit their Wordner (sentence completion) in Chat.
4. Facilitator chooses the best Wordner and awards a point to that player.

Alternatives: Allow participants to be judges with judges rotating throughout the game.

Process #2: Quick speech

A longer more interactive round

1. Facilitator or participant Judge reveals a blue card sentence.
2. Participants submit their Wordner (sentence completion) live on audio (and video if available).
3. Judge chooses the best Wordner and awards a point to that player.

Process #3: Long speech

A longer round of impromptu storytelling speeches

1. Facilitator or participant Judge reveals a blue card sentence.
2. Participants submit their Wordner (sentence completion) live on audio (and video if available) and elaborates on their Wordner by creating a short story (for example, 30 seconds to 2 minutes).
3. Judge chooses the best Wordner and awards a point to that player.

Daisy chain option: Evaluate storytelling and/or presentation elements of the delivery.

Process #4: Breakout rooms

Once participants are familiar with game play and rules, put small groups into breakout rooms. This will allow more participant interaction and will make the number of cards last longer.

Attribution

See Wordner for the original activity and files.

Share using the icons below or direct link to this activity: https://knowmium.com/tools/2020/4/16/wordner-9w2xg