How to Play the Name Game

Contrary to popular belief, the Victorians were not all uptight, stick-in-the-muds who never enjoyed themselves. Although proper manners and etiquette were important to them, they also knew how to have a good time and were particularly fond of parlor games. One favorite, The Name Game, is easily adapted for modern use and can be played by both children and adults.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 slips of paper for each player
• 1 pencil or pen for each player
• A bowl
• A watch or clock with a second hand
• Pad of paper for keeping score

How To Play the Victorian Parlor Game The Name Game

1. Give each guest 10 slips of paper and a pen. Instruct them to write down on each slip of paper the name of a famous person. Examples could be actors, politicians, authors, scientists or historical figures. Fold each slip of paper and place it in the bowl.

2. Determine who will be the time keeper and the score keeper. This can be the same person. Give the score pad to the score keeper and the watch or clock to the time keeper.

3. Instruct the first player to draw a slip of paper from the bowl and read it without telling anyone else. Player One then tries to get the rest of the players to guess the name by giving clues. Gestures are not allowed, nor is spelling, i.e. ‘His name begins with A.’ The time keeper will allow 30 seconds for the round. Each time a name is guessed, the player will pull another name from the bowl and continue until time has expired. The score keeper will award one point to Player One for each name guessed, and one point to the player who guessed the name.

4. Pass the bowl on to the next player, and repeat the procedure until each player has taken a turn. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins.