Remember those silly games you’d play at summer camp or in middle school peers’ basements before alcohol became the center of our social scene? We’re talking truth or dare, paranoia, wavelength and even 20 questions. These games conjure childhood nostalgia and are a needed break from mindless scrolling that honestly makes you appear bored and unapproachable at the bars. Whether you’re waiting in line, chilling in a booth or looking to make easy conversation with a stranger, these games are the perfect way to pass time when the scene is feeling dull. VALLEY is bringing back the art of playing, and we’re taking it downtown.
Below are the instructions to some of our favorite childhood games to play at the bar.
Paranoia
Objective: To answer a secret question truthfully aloud to the group while not exposing the question itself
How to Play:
- Gather Players: This game works best with a group (4-10 players)
- The Questions: One player whispers a question to the player next to them (for example, “Who do you think will be the last to leave the bar?”)
- The Answer: The player then answers with the name of one of the other players
- The Paranoia: The player whose name was said can 1. Take a drink (If you want to make this a drinking game) or 2. Flip a coin. If its heads the question will be revealed. If it’s tales…let the paranoia begin and move on to the next question!
Wavelength
Objective: To get your teammates to guess a number you have in mind (1-10) based on your answers to their questions. Your answers must coincide with the value of the number. (Example: If the hidden number is 10 and the question is “A tailgate food” you would answer “Buffalo chicken dip” or whatever tailgate food you think is a 10/10)
How to Play:
- Gather Players: Can be played between 2 people but can also be played with 4 or more players, divided into two teams.
- First Turn: Whoever is going first will choose the number without revealing it to the players.
- Clues: Each player will take a turn asking a question and the chosen player will answer with the clue that coincides with the secret numbers value. (Example: If the hidden number is 1 and the question is “Class time,” a likely answer would be “8 a.m.”)
- Guessing: After each player has asked a question and received all of the answers they will each take a turn at guessing the secret number.
- Reveal: The secret number is revealed and another player gets to choose the number and be the clue giver.
Spice up your night (or day) at the bars with one of these childhood games or introduce your friends to one of your personal favorites! Let VALLEY know if you’re bringing games back to the bars @VALLEYmag on all social media!
