How to Play Telestrations: A Comprehensive Guide

Telestrations is an entertaining drawing game that combines elements of “telephone” and Pictionary. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to play Telestrations, including setup, gameplay, and scoring. The information presented here is sourced from multiple reputable sources, including a YouTube video, the official game rules on UltraBoardGames, and a quick start guide on BoardGameChick.

Setup

1. Place the card box, sand timer, clean-up cloths, and die in the center of the group.
2. As a group, decide which set of cards to use: “THIS SIDE” or “THAT SIDE.”
3. Each player selects a sketchbook, one marker, and one card.
4. Write your name on the front of your sketchbook and remember the color of your coil.

Gameplay

1. Getting a Word:
   • Roll the die to determine the starting player.
   • Match the number rolled to a word on your card and secretly write it in your sketchbook.
   • If there is a blank space on your card, you can make up any word you want.
   • If there is an underlined category, you can choose any word that falls under that category.
2. Sketching:
   • Flip the timer and have 60 seconds to secretly draw the word in your sketchbook.
   • When time’s up, take a few seconds to finish up and turn to the next page to hide your sketch.
   • Pass your open book to the player on your left.
3. Guessing:
   • Look at the previous player’s sketch in your book and take a few seconds to guess what it represents.
   • Write your guess on the next page of your sketchbook.
   • Flip forward to the next page and pass the open book to the player on your left.
4. Round and Round it Goes:
   • Continue flipping the timer, sketching, passing, and guessing until players get their own book back.
   • Note the color of your sketchbook coil to ensure it is your book.
5. The Big Reveal:
   • Once everyone has their own book back, take turns flipping through and sharing the sketching and guessing outcomes in your book.
   • Enjoy the laughter and surprises as the original word transforms through the drawings and guesses.

Scoring

• Telestrations does not require you to keep score, but you have the option to do so.
• There are different scoring options you can choose from, such as awarding points for favorite sketches, favorite guesses, or matching the last guess to the secret word.

This comprehensive guide on how to play Telestrations was compiled from various reliable sources, including a YouTube video, the official game rules on UltraBoardGames, and a quick start guide on BoardGameChick.

Sources:

• YouTube Video: Telestrations – How To Play – YouTube (URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaQAUSlyemg)
• UltraBoardGames: How to play Telestrations | Official Rules | UltraBoardGames (URL: https://www.ultraboardgames.com/telestrations/game-rules.php)
• BoardGameChick: How To Play Telestrations, a Quick Start Guide (URL: https://boardgamechick.com/how-to-play-telestrations/)

FAQs

How to Play Telestrations: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Telestrations?

Telestrations is a drawing game that combines elements of “telephone” and Pictionary. It is a fun and entertaining party game that doesn’t require any drawing skills.

How many players can participate in Telestrations?

Telestrations can accommodate 4-8 players, making it suitable for both small and large groups.

What components are included in the Telestrations game?

The Telestrations game includes the following components:

• 142 “This Side” & “That Side” Cards
• 8 Erasable Sketch Books
• 8 Dry-Erase Markers
• 8 Clean-Up Cloths
• 60 Second Timer
• 1 Die

How is the game set up?

To set up the game:

1. Place the card box, sand timer, clean-up cloths, and die in the center of the group.
2. Decide as a group which set of cards everyone will be using, either “THIS SIDE” or “THAT SIDE.”
3. Each player selects a sketch book, one marker, and one card.
4. Write your name on the front of your sketch book and remember the color of your coil.

How does the gameplay work?

The gameplay involves the following steps:

1. Getting a Word:
   • Roll the die to determine the starting player.
   • Match the number rolled to a word on your card and secretly write it in your sketch book.
   • If there is a blank space on your card, you can make up any word you want.
   • If there is an underlined category, you can choose any word that falls under that category.
2. Sketching:
   • Flip the timer and have 60 seconds to secretly draw the word in your sketch book.
   • When time’s up, take a few seconds to finish up and turn to the next page to hide your sketch.
   • Pass your open book to the player on your left.
3. Guessing:
   • Look at the previous player’s sketch in your book and take a few seconds to guess what it represents.
   • Write your guess on the next page of your sketch book.
   • Flip forward to the next page and pass the open book to the player on your left.
4. Round and Round it Goes:
   • Continue flipping the timer, sketching, passing, and guessing until players get their own book back.
5. The Big Reveal:
   • Once everyone has their own book back, take turns flipping through and sharing the sketching and guessing outcomes in your book.
   • Enjoy the laughter and surprises as the original word transforms through the drawings and guesses.

Is there a scoring system in Telestrations?

Telestrations does not require you to keep score, but you have the option to do so. There are different scoring options you can choose from, such as awarding points for favorite sketches, favorite guesses, or matching the last guess to the secret word.

Can Telestrations be played with kids?

Yes, Telestrations can be played with kids. It is a family-friendly game suitable for children and adults alike.

How long does a typical game of Telestrations last?

The duration of a game of Telestrations can vary depending on the number of players and the pace of the game. On average, a game can last between 30 minutes to an hour.