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Categories Game Generator
Everything you need to host the classic categories word game: a random letter, a fresh list of categories, a round timer with alarm, printable answer sheets and a score tally for every player. Share the list number so friends in another room get the same round.
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B
Letter
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How to use the Categories Game Generator
- Press New round to roll a random letter and a list of categories. Choose 6 to 20 categories with the List size menu.
- Swap anything you don't like: Roll letter changes just the letter and the ↻ button next to a category replaces only that one.
- Set the timer (2 minutes is classic) and press Start timer. Everyone writes one answer per category that starts with the letter.
- When the alarm sounds, read answers aloud. Score 1 point for each valid answer nobody else wrote.
- Add the points in the score tally with the + and − buttons, then press New round. Use Print answer sheets for paper play.
Categories game rules
- Roll a letter and a list. All players use the same letter and the same categories for the round.
- Start the timer. Each player secretly writes one answer for every category, and every answer must start with the letter. "Things that are yellow" with S could be sunflower or school bus.
- Stop when the alarm sounds. Pencils down, no finishing the word you were writing.
- Read out and compare. Go through the list one category at a time. Answers that two or more players wrote are crossed out.
- Score. Each remaining valid answer is worth 1 point. Play three rounds (or as many as you like) and the highest total wins.
Common house rules
| Situation | Popular ruling |
|---|---|
| "The" or "A" at the start | Ignored: "The Lion King" counts for L, not T. |
| Alliteration (e.g. "Bouncy Blue Ball") | Many groups give 1 extra point per extra word starting with the letter. |
| Proper names for people | First name or last name may count, depending on the group. |
| A challenged answer | All other players vote; a tie means the answer stands. |
| Same answer in two categories | Not allowed in the same round. |
| Made-up or very vague answers | Rejected if most players disagree. |
Ideas for classrooms and parties
- Teams: split a class into small groups that share one answer sheet; it keeps everyone involved and cuts down on arguments.
- Shorter lists for kids: 6 or 8 categories with a 2-minute timer and only easy letters.
- Remote play: share the list number or the copied link in your video call chat so everyone sees the identical round.
- Speed round: 12 categories in 60 seconds for experienced players.
Frequently asked questions
How do you play the categories game?
One player rolls a letter and everyone gets the same list of categories. When the timer starts, each player writes one answer per category that begins with that letter, for example "Fruits" with B could be banana. When time is up, players read their answers in turn and score a point for every acceptable answer that no one else also wrote.
How is the categories game scored?
The usual rule is 1 point for each valid answer that is unique among the players; duplicate answers score nothing for anyone. Many groups give a bonus point for alliteration, such as "Big Brown Bear" for B, where every word starts with the letter. The player with the most points after three rounds wins, but you can play as many rounds as you like.
Why are some letters left out?
Q, U, V, X, Y and Z have very few words for most categories, so rounds with them are frustrating. They are excluded by default; tick Include hard letters if you want an extra challenge.
How can friends in another room play the same list?
Every round has a list number. Send it to the other players, they type it into the List # box and press Load list, and they get exactly the same letter and categories, as long as everyone uses the same list size and hard-letter setting.
How long should a round be?
The classic game uses about 3 minutes for 12 categories. Two minutes works well for adults who play often, while 3 to 4 minutes suits children and new players. Shorter lists of 6 or 8 categories are good with 60 to 90 seconds.
Is this the same as Scattergories?
Scattergories is a trademarked board game by Hasbro that uses the same idea. This generator is an independent free tool for playing the general categories word game, sometimes called Name, Place, Animal, Thing or Stop the Bus, and works with any pencil-and-paper version.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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