What Were You Thinking?
- Designer Richard Garfield
- Publisher Wizards of the Coast
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In What Were You Thinking?, players try to guess the most common answer given by the group rather than the objectively correct one. You write answers to questions aiming to match the majority, creating lively interactions and social guessing. Players who are outliers move up a penalty track and risk elimination, leading to a tense and fun group dynamic.
Who Is This Game For?
This game is ideal for groups of 4 to 10 who enjoy fast, social party games. It's accessible for families and casual players aged 10 and up due to its simple rules and short 30-minute playtime. No prior experience is required, making it suitable for spontaneous game sessions.
How It Works
Players take turns asking questions and writing answers. The core mechanic is Voting: those whose answers match the majority are safe, while others move up a penalty track. This Single Loser Game eliminates players who reach the top of the penalty track. The game ends when one player is eliminated and the others win.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Garfield, What Were You Thinking? won the 1998 Origins Award for Best Abstract Board Game. It uniquely combines Voting with a Single Loser Game mechanic, emphasizing social interaction over pure trivia.
Awards
- 1998 Origins Awards Best Abstract Board Game — Winner
Pro
- Short playtime (~30 minutes)
- Easy rules, no prior experience needed
- High player interaction through voting
- Origins Award winner 1998
Contra
- Not suitable for fewer than 4 players
- Limited strategic depth
- May be less enjoyable with uneven player groups
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game has no specific theme and focuses on social interaction and guessing in a party setting.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on predicting the group’s likely answers rather than the objectively correct ones.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, What Were You Thinking? is designed for 4 to 10 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick party experience.
What prior experience do I need?
No special experience is required; the rules are simple and easy to learn.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines voting with a single loser mechanic, setting it apart from traditional quiz games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for families with children aged 10 and older due to its simplicity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The voting mechanic paired with single loser elimination creates a unique dynamic.
Fazit
Recommended for players seeking a quick, interactive party game focused on group dynamics without long play sessions.
