Ready to learn how to play Catch Phrase, the fast-paced party game that will have you shouting and laughing? This exciting game challenges teams to quickly guess words and phrases before the timer runs out. There are two main versions of Catch Phrase: the classic board game version with word discs and a disk player, and the electronic version featuring a built-in electronic timer and various word categories. Whether you’re giving clues or making the guesses, Catch Phrase’s goal is to get your team to say the word or phrase before the buzzer sounds. Let’s dive into the rules for both versions so you can dominate your next game night!
Playing the Electronic Version of Catch Phrase

A. Setting Up:
- Batteries: Open the battery compartment (typically on the back) and insert three AAA batteries. Ensure correct polarity (+ and -) to avoid malfunction. The battery life impacts playtime, so consider using high-quality batteries for extended enjoyment.
- Teams: Power on the handheld device. The LCD screen will display “Team 1” and “Team 2”. Assign players to teams. Alternating team members in a circle ensures swift passing of the device.
- Category Selection: Use the “Category” button to browse available word categories like “Entertainment”, “Food”, “Sports”, “Sci-Tech”, and “Everything”. Make your selection before starting the game; the category is locked in once the timer begins. The score display will show “0” for both teams at the start.
- Clearing Previous Scores (Optional): If resuming a previous game isn’t desired, hold the “Team 1” and “Team 2” score buttons simultaneously until the score display resets to zero.
B. Gameplay:
- Starting a Round: The player with the device presses the “Start/Stop” button. A word or phrase will appear on the LCD screen, and the timer will begin its countdown. The player now gives verbal and/or physical clues to their team.
- Giving Clues: Be creative, but remember the forbidden clue rules: no rhyming, no revealing the first letter of any word, and no saying parts of the word or phrase. Violating these rules awards a point to the opposing team and ends the round prematurely.
- Example Clues: If the phrase is “ice cream cone”, acceptable clues might include “frozen dessert”, “waffle cone”, “summer treat”, or even miming licking an ice cream.
- Passing the Device: A correct guess triggers an immediate handoff of the device to the other team. Speed is paramount – the longer you hold the electronic device, the higher the risk of the buzzer going off in your hand.
- Ending the Round: The round concludes automatically when the timer’s buzzer sounds.
C. Scoring:
- Points for Non-Possession: The team not holding the electronic device when the buzzer sounds earns one point. This emphasizes the “hot potato” aspect of Catch Phrase, rewarding quick thinking and passing.
- Bonus Point Opportunity: The scoring team gets a single chance to guess the word or phrase displayed on the LCD screen. A successful guess awards a bonus point, resulting in a two-point gain for the round. This adds a strategic layer, as teams must decide whether to risk a guess or simply take the single point. Team members may discuss before offering their answer.
- Entering Scores: The team that held the device at the buzzer’s sound inputs the points earned by the opposing team. Press the corresponding “Team 1” or “Team 2” score button on the electronic device to increment the score. The score display reflects the updated score.
D. Winning the Game:
The first team to accumulate 7 points wins the game. The electronic device typically signals victory with a distinctive sound or visual cue on the LCD screen. For a rematch, press and hold the “Start/Stop” button to reset the score display and initiate a new game. You can also change the category at this point, offering fresh challenges for the next round of Catch Phrase.
Playing the Original Catch Phrase (Board Game Version):

A. Setting Up:
- Game Board: Unfold the game board and place it on a flat, accessible surface. This provides the playing area where teams track their progress towards the “FINISH” space.
- Teams and Movers: Divide players into two teams. Balance teams by distributing members with strong vocabularies evenly. Each team chooses a mover (game piece), placing it on the “START” space of the game board.
- Word Discs and Disk Player: The game includes double-sided word discs containing numerous words and phrases. Select a disc and insert it into the disk player, aligning the disc’s holes with the player’s pegs. Securely close the disk player lid.
B. Gameplay:
- Revealing a Word/Phrase: The clue-giver presses the green button (or designated button) on the disk player to reveal a word or phrase in the display window. Important: Only the clue-giver and the opposing team should see the current word/phrase.
- Starting the Timer: The opposing team activates the timer. The random duration adds an element of surprise and encourages quick thinking.
- Giving Clues: The clue-giver uses verbal and/or physical clues to guide their teammates to the correct word or phrase. The standard forbidden clues apply: no rhyming, no revealing the first letter, and no saying any part of the word or phrase. An illegal clue results in the opposing team stopping the timer, earning one point, and starting the next round.
- Passing the Disk Player: Upon a correct guess, the clue-giver swiftly passes the disk player to a member of the opposing team. Speed is of the essence to avoid being caught holding the disk player when the timer goes off.
- Ending the Round: The round concludes when the timer’s buzzer sounds.
C. Movement and Scoring:
- Moving on the Board: When the timer’s buzzer signals the end of the round, the team not holding the disk player advances their mover one space forward on the game board, getting closer to the “FINISH” space.
- Bonus Point (“Stealing” a Word/Phrase): If the timer expires while a team is giving clues, the opposing team has a single opportunity to guess the word/phrase displayed on the disk player. A correct guess earns them a bonus point, allowing them to move their mover an additional space forward. This “steal” can significantly shift the game’s momentum.
- Starting the Next Round: The team that held the disk player when the timer ended begins the next round, revealing a new word/phrase from the word disc.
D. Winning the Game:
The first team to reach the “FINISH” space on the game board with their mover wins the game. This signifies successful navigation of the word-guessing challenges and strategic passing of the disk player.
Strategies and Tips for Both Versions

1. Mastering the Art of Clue-Giving
- Go Beyond Synonyms: While synonyms can be helpful, truly effective clues paint vivid mental images and exploit shared knowledge within your team. Instead of simply saying “sad”, try evocative phrases like “crying a river”, “Eeyore’s default mood”, or “opposite of happy”. Consider the word’s or phrase’s complexity and the timer – a single, well-placed clue can be more effective than a barrage of simple ones.
- Target Your Teammates: Tailor your clues to your teammates’ specific interests, inside jokes, and areas of expertise. If you know your friend loves history and the word is “guillotine”, a clue like “French Revolution haircut” will likely resonate faster than a clinical description.
- Leverage Parts of Speech: Clearly indicating the word’s part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) early in your clue can significantly narrow down the possibilities for your teammates. For “slither”, begin with “It’s a verb” or “Something a snake does”.
- Build Momentum with Clues: Start with broad clues and progressively refine them, leading your teammates closer to the word or phrase. For “microwave”, you could start with “kitchen appliance”, then “heats food quickly”, then perhaps “uses electromagnetic radiation”, concluding with gestures mimicking pushing buttons. Be mindful of the timer and adjust your clue progression accordingly. Avoid giving away parts of the word or phrase directly, which would violate the forbidden clues rule.
2. Communication is Key to Success
- Establish a Communication System: Develop shorthand phrases with your team to streamline communication. “Close!” could mean “getting warmer,” while “Brick wall!” signals a completely wrong direction. Efficient communication saves valuable time, especially when the timer is running low.
- Active Listening for Clues: Pay close attention not only to the clues given but also to your teammates’ guesses and reactions. An offhand guess might trigger a crucial association for someone else, ultimately leading to the correct word or phrase.
- Managing Frustration Under Pressure: Catch Phrase can be an intense experience. Offer encouragement to struggling teammates, celebrate near misses, and maintain a positive atmosphere. Remember, the primary goal is to have fun, even when facing the pressure of the timer.
3. The Handoff: A Critical Moment in Catch Phrase
- The No-Look Pass (Advanced): With practice, develop the “no-look pass”, transferring the device/disk player to the next clue-giver without breaking eye contact with your team. This maintains momentum and keeps the energy high. A swift handoff is crucial to avoid penalties triggered by the timer/buzzer.
- Anticipate the Buzzer: Develop a sense of timing. If you feel the buzzer is imminent, prepare for the handoff in advance. Position yourself for a quick, clean transfer of the device/disk player, minimizing the risk of getting stuck with it.
- Create a Distraction (Expert Level): As you execute the handoff, a subtle gesture or noise can momentarily distract the opposing team, potentially giving your teammates a crucial extra moment to guess the word/phrase before the other team’s turn begins.
4. Deconstructing Difficult Words:
- Word Association Web: When faced with a challenging word or phrase, mentally construct a web of related concepts. For “telescope”, think “stars”, “planets”, “space”, “lens”, “magnify”, “observe”. These associated terms can spark alternative clues for your teammates.
- Foreign Language Advantage: If your team shares a second language, strategically using foreign words as clues can be highly effective, particularly if those words offer a more concise or evocative connection to the word/phrase. Ensure everyone on your team understands the language being used.
- Sound It Out (With Caution): While explicitly saying parts of the word or phrase is against the rules (forbidden clues), you can sometimes subtly hint at the pronunciation or syllable structure. For “onomatopoeia”, you might say “it has many ‘O’ sounds” or “it’s a long word with many syllables”. Exercise caution with this tactic, as it can be perceived as a rule violation by the opposing team.
5. Misdirection and Deception:
- The Decoy Word: Intentionally give clues for a similar-sounding word or phrase. If the target is “collide”, you might start with clues related to “slide” or “glide” before abruptly shifting to the correct word. This can momentarily mislead the opposing team.
- The Bluff: Even if you’re stumped, project confidence and deliver clues as if you know the word/phrase. This can sometimes intimidate the other team, causing hesitation or incorrect guesses. Be mindful of the timer; this tactic is best used when you have some time to spare.
- The Double Bluff (Expert Level): This highly advanced tactic involves giving misdirection clues, feigning panic as if you’ve made a mistake, and then swiftly returning to clues for the actual word/phrase. This requires excellent acting skills and a team that can adapt quickly.
Catch Phrase Variations and House Rules

Popular Variations:
Elimination: Perfect for larger groups, the Elimination variation injects a thrilling competitive edge into Catch Phrase. Players form teams of two, facing off head-to-head in each round. The team holding the device/disk player when the timer runs out is eliminated. This continues until a single, victorious team remains. Elimination demands quick thinking, sharp clue-giving, and seamless communication under pressure.
Speed Catch Phrase: Amp up the intensity and hilarity by shortening the timer in Speed Catch Phrase. Reduce the time limit to 30 seconds, or even a frantic 15 seconds, to force split-second decisions and instinctive clues. This variation prioritizes rapid-fire associations and often results in chaotic, laugh-out-loud gameplay.
One-Word Wonder: This variation restricts clues to single words only, challenging players’ vocabulary and descriptive prowess. One-Word Wonder tests your ability to convey complex ideas with minimal language, stimulating creative clue-giving and fostering unexpected, humorous connections as teammates strive to decipher the words/phrases.
Cooperative Catch Phrase: For a more collaborative experience, try Cooperative Catch Phrase. Instead of competing, all players unite as a single team, working together to guess a predetermined number of words/phrases within a set time limit. This variation emphasizes teamwork and communication, creating a fun, less competitive atmosphere for groups who prefer a shared challenge.
Spoiler Variant (for odd number of players): Designate one player as the “Spoiler”. The Spoiler doesn’t join either team but participates in every round, trying to guess along with the active team. If the Spoiler guesses correctly, the clue-giver immediately reveals a new word/phrase without passing the device/disk player. This keeps the game balanced with an odd number of players.
Team Captain Variant: Each team selects a “Captain”. Only the Captains can guess the word/phrase. Teammates can give clues to their Captain, but only the Captain’s guess counts. This variation emphasizes teamwork and communication strategy.
No Pass-Back Variant: Once you’ve passed the device/disk player to the other team, you cannot receive it back until every other player on your team has had a turn as clue-giver. This variation ensures everyone gets a chance to give clues and prevents dominant players from hogging the device.
Custom House Rules
House rules offer endless possibilities to tailor Catch Phrase to your group’s preferences. They allow you to introduce unique challenges and inside jokes, creating a personalized gaming experience:
- Expanded Forbidden Clue Categories: Beyond the standard forbidden clues (rhyming, first letter, part of the word), implement additional restrictions. Banning sound effects, celebrity names, movie titles, or even specific categories of words/phrases can introduce exciting new layers of complexity to clue-giving.
- Bonus Points for Creativity: Reward exceptionally clever or humorous clues with bonus points. This encourages out-of-the-box thinking and adds a layer of appreciation for witty wordplay within the game.
- Penalties for Rule Breakers: Implement penalties for dropping the device/disk player, excessive hesitation, arguing about clue validity, or other undesirable actions. Point deductions add a strategic element and encourage adherence to the agreed-upon rules.
- Themed Games with Custom Word Lists: Introduce themed games focusing on specific topics like “90s music”, “food and drink”, “things you find in an office”, or anything your group enjoys. Curate custom word lists related to the chosen theme for a truly personalized Catch Phrase experience.
- Challenge Rounds to Shake Things Up: Designate specific rounds as “challenge rounds” with altered rules. Implement “charades only”, “reverse clues” (describe the opposite of the word/phrase), or even a “blind clue-giver” round where the clue-giver can’t see the word/phrase displayed on the device/disk player.
- Challenge Words: Before starting the game, each team writes down 3-5 “challenge words” that they think will be difficult for the other team to guess. These words are added to the word list for the game.
- Bonus Points for Acting: Award bonus points if a team guesses correctly based solely on the clue-giver’s physical acting/charades, without any verbal clues.
- Penalty for Hesitation: If a clue-giver hesitates for more than 5 seconds without giving a clue, the other team gets a point.
Troubleshooting and FAQs

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your electronic Catch Phrase device and offers effective solutions.
Troubleshooting
Problem: The timer won’t start.
- Solution 1: Check the batteries in the battery compartment. Ensure three AAA batteries are correctly installed, paying close attention to the + and – polarity markings. Replace old or weak batteries with fresh ones. A low battery indicator may be present on some devices.
- Solution 2: If new batteries don’t resolve the issue, try resetting the electronic device. This typically involves removing and reinserting the batteries or pressing the reset button (if your device has one). Refer to the instruction manual for device-specific reset instructions.
Problem: The LCD screen is frozen or unresponsive.
- Solution 1: Attempt a device reset as outlined above. Removing the batteries for a few minutes and then reinserting them can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches affecting the screen.
- Solution 2: If the screen remains frozen, a more serious technical problem may exist. Contact the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance or warranty information. They can offer specialized troubleshooting advice.
Problem: The sound isn’t working.
- Solution 1: Check the device’s volume control. Ensure the sound is not muted and is set to an audible level. The speaker may be located on the front, side, or back of the electronic device.
- Solution 2: If the volume is adequately adjusted but no sound is produced, try resetting the device or replacing the batteries. A persistent sound issue could indicate a hardware problem, requiring professional repair or replacement through the manufacturer.
Battery Information and Best Practices
Battery Type and Quantity: The electronic Catch Phrase game requires three AAA batteries. Alkaline batteries are generally recommended for optimal performance and battery life.
Maximizing Battery Life: Battery life depends on usage and battery quality. To extend playtime, use high-quality, long-lasting batteries. Check the low battery indicator (if available) periodically.
Low Battery Indicator: Some electronic Catch Phrase devices feature a low battery indicator. Monitor this indicator to anticipate battery changes and avoid game interruptions.
Storing the Device: To prevent battery leakage and potential device damage, remove the batteries from the battery compartment when storing the electronic Catch Phrase game for an extended period.
Battery Safety: Never mix old and new batteries, or different battery types (e.g., alkaline, rechargeable). Always dispose of used batteries responsibly in accordance with local environmental regulations.
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