How to play

(If you’re reading this, you’re the host! This is your script. Pick up the microphone and read this out loud — unless it’s in parentheses, that’s just for you. Doesn’t have to be word-for-word, have fun with it!)

Hello, my name is (say your name), I’ll be your host this evening (or morning, or whenever you’re playing). Welcome to Pass the Mic.

Pass the Mic is a portal. Tonight (or today, or, well, you get the idea) this living room (car, meadow, rocket ship) becomes an open mic. Don’t worry — you’re already a storyteller. This microphone will prove it.

There are three types of cards in this game:

White cards (hold up a white card) are story prompts. Shuffle the white cards and deal five to each player. Then place the rest in a pile in the center.

Red cards (hold up a red card) are optional; they tell you how to tell a story. Place a pile of red cards in the center and flip over three.

Purple cards (hold up a purple card) are “applause cards.” Everyone gets one in their hand. If you love someone’s story, give them an applause card. Pass them around as much as you’d like.

When somebody gives you an applause card, put it down in front of you — that’s your point pile. At the end of the game, you’ll count up all the cards in your point pile. The person with the most points wins.

But remember, this isn’t about winning — it’s about telling stories. Let’s begin!

(Choose somebody who looks like they’re ready to tell a story and say their name) will be our first storyteller.

Everybody else: look at your cards and pick one that might inspire the storyteller, put it face down in front of them. Now draw a new card so you're back up to five.

The storyteller will shuffle the cards, take a look, and, when they’re ready, choose one to tell a 2-3 minute story, using the mic. It’s usually the most fun to reveal the prompt at the end.

If the storyteller chooses your card, that card goes in your point pile. If the storyteller used a red card, it goes in their point pile. The rest of the white cards go in the discard pile.

We’ll go clockwise until everyone has told a story. Or two. Or three.

Are you ready? We’re entering the portal now. Everybody take a deep breath, I’ll pass the mic to (the first storyteller), and we’ll let the storytelling begin!

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(One more thing — you’re playing with a beta deck of Pass the Mic. When you’re finished, we’d love to know what you think! Click here to give us feedback. If you shoot any photos or video, tag us at @passthemicgame or use #passthemicgame on TikTok and Instagram. You can also email us at hello@passthemicgame.com. Thank you for playing! Now go tell some stories.)