One clue, one dial, one hidden spot
Each card has a scale with two opposites at the ends, such as cold and hot or cheap and expensive. Somewhere on the scale is a hidden target. One player sees it and gives a clue, a word or a short phrase that fits that spot better than the others; the rest of the team talks it over and slides the dial to where they think the target is.
When the guess is locked, the target and its three bands appear. A hit in the centre is worth 4 points, the next ring 3 and the outer ring 2. The score keeps running between cards, so a session becomes a small match.
How to play
One phone, a team and a clue-giver.
Draw a card. Everyone except the clue-giver looks away, and the clue-giver presses Show the target.
Think of a clue that points to the target, say it out loud and press Hide the target.
The team agrees on a place, slides the dial, locks the guess and sees the points.
What the game does
The part with the hidden target and the scoring.
- 24 ready scales in your language, each with two opposites
- A random hidden target on every card, kept away from the very ends
- A dial for the guess, with the target bands shown at the reveal
- 4, 3 or 2 points by distance and a running total on your device
- Your own scales, one per line, with the two ends separated by |
Where it works
Wherever a team can talk it over.
Family evenings and holidays, a new clue-giver for every card.
Team-building and office parties: a round that starts conversations.
Classes: a way to talk about opinions and meanings.
How scoring works
The scale runs from 0 to 100 and the target is somewhere between 8 and 92. A guess within 5 of the target earns 4 points, within 10 earns 3 and within 15 earns 2; anything further earns nothing.
The total is kept on your device and can be reset with one button. Cards are not repeated until all of them have been played.
Good to know
The phone does not judge the clue: the group decides whether it is fair. A clue should not give a number or a position, only a word or phrase.
Pass the phone to the next clue-giver after each round, so that everyone gets a turn.
Tips
- Pick clues that are about the idea, not the position: 'a good Tuesday' is better than 'almost in the middle'.
- Write your own scales for a themed evening, such as films, food or office life.
Spectrum game questions
Can the team see the target?
No. Only the clue-giver sees it, and it is hidden again before the team guesses.
How many people can play?
Two or more: one gives clues and the rest are the team.
Can I add my own scales?
Yes, one per line with the two ends separated by |.