30 Seconds (game)
Encyclopedia
30 Seconds is a fast-paced general knowledge game. Players generally play in teams of two. One player must guess a word
from their teammate's explanation, much like Charades
, with the aim to guess as many possible answers in 30 seconds. The main restriction on the explanation is that it may not contain the actual word or part of the word.
along a track formed by a sequence of squares
. Each square has a different picture on it. Each round the team draws a card and then has 30 seconds to explain up to five different words printed on that card. The team can move forward one square for each correct answer. The objective is to reach the end of the track first.
to determine that round's handicap
. The die has six sides and the values can be 0, 1 or 2. One player draws a card. Each card has a yellow side and a blue side. The player must use the side that corresponds the square that their token is on. There are five words printed on each side. The opposing team then turns over the 30-second timer
. The team's score is determined by taking the number of correct answers and subtracting
the handicap. The team moves their token forward by the same number of squares as their score for the current round.
. For example, if the answer is "007" the clue might be as simple as "James Bond
".
"Guinness Book of World Records" provides an interesting challenge as the player may not use "Guinness
", "Book", "World" or "Records" in his clue. A possible clue might be "Compendium of global achievements"
The official rules regarding clues are restrictive and provision is made for penalties (moving backwards). In most circumstances house rules
are more relaxed to increase the speed and enjoyment of the game.
Word
In language, a word is the smallest free form that may be uttered in isolation with semantic or pragmatic content . This contrasts with a morpheme, which is the smallest unit of meaning but will not necessarily stand on its own...
from their teammate's explanation, much like Charades
Charades
Charades or charade is a word guessing game. In the form most played today, it is an acting game in which one player acts out a word or phrase, often by pantomiming similar-sounding words, and the other players guess the word or phrase. The idea is to use physical rather than verbal language to...
, with the aim to guess as many possible answers in 30 seconds. The main restriction on the explanation is that it may not contain the actual word or part of the word.
Objective
Each team moves a tokenBoard game
A board game is a game which involves counters or pieces being moved on a pre-marked surface or "board", according to a set of rules. Games may be based on pure strategy, chance or a mixture of the two, and usually have a goal which a player aims to achieve...
along a track formed by a sequence of squares
Square (geometry)
In geometry, a square is a regular quadrilateral. This means that it has four equal sides and four equal angles...
. Each square has a different picture on it. Each round the team draws a card and then has 30 seconds to explain up to five different words printed on that card. The team can move forward one square for each correct answer. The objective is to reach the end of the track first.
Gameplay
At the start of each round, the team throws the special 30 Seconds dieDice
A die is a small throwable object with multiple resting positions, used for generating random numbers...
to determine that round's handicap
Handicapping
Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. The word also applies to the various methods by which the advantage is calculated...
. The die has six sides and the values can be 0, 1 or 2. One player draws a card. Each card has a yellow side and a blue side. The player must use the side that corresponds the square that their token is on. There are five words printed on each side. The opposing team then turns over the 30-second timer
Egg timer
An egg-timer is a device the primary function of which is to assist in timing the cooking of eggs. Early designs simply counted down for a specific period of time. Some modern designs are able to time more accurately by depending on water temperature rather than an absolute time...
. The team's score is determined by taking the number of correct answers and subtracting
Subtraction
In arithmetic, subtraction is one of the four basic binary operations; it is the inverse of addition, meaning that if we start with any number and add any number and then subtract the same number we added, we return to the number we started with...
the handicap. The team moves their token forward by the same number of squares as their score for the current round.
Clues
Clues are generally short with a strong emphasis on synonyms and associationsAssociation (psychology)
In psychology and marketing, two concepts or stimuli are associated when the experience of one leads to the effects of another, due to repeated pairing. This is sometimes called Pavlovian association for Ivan Pavlov's pioneering of classical conditioning....
. For example, if the answer is "007" the clue might be as simple as "James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
".
"Guinness Book of World Records" provides an interesting challenge as the player may not use "Guinness
Guinness
Guinness is a popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Guinness is directly descended from the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century and is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide, brewed in almost...
", "Book", "World" or "Records" in his clue. A possible clue might be "Compendium of global achievements"
The official rules regarding clues are restrictive and provision is made for penalties (moving backwards). In most circumstances house rules
House rules
House rules are rules applying only in a certain location or organization. Bars and pubs in which games take place frequently have house rules posted...
are more relaxed to increase the speed and enjoyment of the game.