How to Play & Enjoy Heads Up! – The Ultimate Party & Office Game

Want a game that will have your friends laughing, coworkers becoming friends, and your party guests screaming funny guesses? Let us welcome (or re-welcome) you to Heads Up! – the lightning-fast, completely crazy, and utterly addictive party game that brings people together the best way possible. Whether you're loafing around the house, partying, or spicing up a sluggish office afternoon, Heads Up! is the icebreaker game to get, the mood-booster to have, and the hoot of fun to share.

In this guide from Theecards.com, we're going to take you through step by step how to play Heads Up!, why it's so firkin' fun, and why it's the ultimate office and party game you didn't know you required. Fasten your seatbelt – you're going to become a Heads Up! pro.

How Do You Play a Heads Up! Game?

Let's begin at the beginning. Heads Up! is a game of guessing, but not in the sense where you're stumped in quiet contemplation. No way, this game's all about getting up and around, yelling, acting out, and giggling.

Here's how a standard round of Heads Up! typically plays out:

Choose a Category (a.k.a. Deck):

Open the Heads Up! app (on most mobile devices – yes, there's even a Heads Up game free version with some decks). Select a deck such as "Movies," "Celebrities," "Animals," or even "Accents."

Hold the Phone Up to Your Forehead:

The guesser holds the phone (or written card if you're doing it old school) on their forehead. They can't see the word, but everyone else can.

Guess Based on Clues:

The team provides clues, acts them out, or sounds them out – without using the actual word – and the guesser must, well, guess! Right? Tilt the phone down. Stumped? Tilt up to pass.

60 Seconds of Madness:

You get one minute to guess as many words as possible. It's crazy, lively, and a sure-fire laugh-fest.

Every correct answer earns a point. When the round ends, your total is counted. Switch turns and continue the fun!

Heads up – things get competitive quickly. 

Celebrate the MVP of your game night with a Just Because eCard to keep the laughs going.

What Is the Point of a Heads Up! Game?

At its core, the point of a Heads Up! game is simple: Guess as many words as possible in one minute. But really? The actual point is to have a blast. The genius of the Heads Up party game is that it works for everyone, from your loudest extrovert friend to your shyest coworker.

Here's why people love it:

It’s inclusive:

No special skills required. Just be willing to look foolish, enjoy yourself, and perhaps do a terrible British accent.

It's quick and versatile:

A round takes only one minute, so you can play it at any time – at lunch, at a party, or while waiting for food to be served.

It breaks the ice:

If you're with a new group, Heads Up! is social cement. It has everyone chatting (and cracking up) in seconds.

It makes memories that last:

Consider: your boss attempting to act out a T-Rex or your best buddy melodramatically acting out Beyoncé. Yes, those moments are pure gold.

It's no surprise that people continually look for the Heads Up game free version, because the laughter is priceless.

Different Ways to Play Heads Up!

The best thing about Heads Up! is that it's totally customizable. Play it the original way, or remix it by your mood, group size, or location.

1. Classic App Version (Phone on Forehead):

The original way. Download the Heads Up app, choose a deck, and have at it. You can even record your friends providing clues, and let us tell you, the replays are side-splitting.

2. DIY Heads Up!:

Don't feel like using a phone? Create your own cards with topics such as "TV Shows," "Office Jargon," or "Inside Jokes." This iteration is ideal for theme parties or offline entertainment.

3. Silent Mode Challenge:

No talking. Just miming. It's more difficult – and hilarious – than it sounds.

4. Speed Round Showdown:

Two groups, one timer. 60 seconds for each group to come up with as many guesses as they can. Most points win. Bonus points for over-the-top team introductions.

5. Charades Mash-Up:

Combine traditional charades rules for an acting-guessing mash-up. Ideal for large groups.

Even if you are playing the free version of Heads Up or a printed copy at a cabin with limited Wi-Fi, there are countless Heads Up games to play.

Looking for more game inspiration? Check out our Fun Office Icebreakers blog for additional crowd-pleasers.

Heads Up! Around the Office

Work talk – believe it or not.

Offices aren't so much fun. Unless, of course, you introduce the Heads Up! game. Whether a Friday afternoon funk or a company team-building event, this game is your behind-the-scenes friend to brighten things up.

Here's how to take Heads Up! into the office:

1. Icebreaker at Meetings:

Begin your session with a swift Heads Up! round. Opt for a "Workplace Lingo" deck for additional laughter. It's an excellent icebreaker for stiffening a room and engaging your team.

2. Breakroom Fun:

Leave a special phone or whiteboard free for a surprise Heads Up game. Encourage people to join in over coffee or at lunchtime. See those walls between departments fall.

3. Remote-Friendly Fun:

With Zoom and screen sharing, virtual teams are no exception to Heads Up!'s fun. Simply share the screen, select a deck, and alternate. Remote team-building utopia.

4. Theme Office Days:

Having a "Fun Friday" or themed day? Choose the decks based on the theme. Having a '90s Day? Play the "Decades" deck. Holiday party? Play the "Festive" decks and have fun in the guaranteed cheer.

Pro tip: Award ridiculous prizes for best clue-giver or most humorous guess. Perhaps even have an Office Heads Up! leaderboard!

Work games? Absolutely fine – as long as they foster teamwork, decrease stress, and make your office a place people want to be. And Heads Up! accomplishes just that.

Pair your Heads Up! day with Team Building eCards to reinforce the office bonding.

Conclusion

There’s a reason Heads Up! has become a staple at parties, offices, and family nights. It’s not just a game – it’s an experience. It connects people, creates unforgettable moments, and brings out the laughter in even the most unlikely places. Whether you’re playing the Heads Up game free version or diving into premium decks, one thing’s for sure – you’re in for a wildly good time.

From birthday parties to boardrooms, this is the party game that doesn't just amuse – it energizes. So the next time you're at a loss for a game idea, just recall: Heads up! You've just discovered your new favorite way to play.

And hey, for even more fun ideas and party inspiration, keep hanging around with us at Theecards.com – where good times and great games never go out of style.