How to Play Prank Wars: Family Edition
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The complete step-by-step guide to causing chaos (the fun kind)
Game Setup
1. Decide on the Prankster Privileges
What’s the ultimate prize for the winner? Bragging rights? First dibs on dessert? You decide.
2. Set the Timeframe
3 days? A week? A month?
Pick a date for the End Game Ritual — that’s when all pranks are revealed and scored.
3. Deal the Cards
- Each player receives:
- 3 Prank Cards
- 1 Wild Card (face down)
- Choose 2 cards to keep.
- Discard the rest without showing anyone.
Card Types:
- Prank Cards = Pre-written pranks with a built-in Difficulty Score (0–5)
- Wild Cards = Make-your-own pranks, with the group assigning the difficulty during scoring
Bonus: You can play both Wild Cards if you want to get extra creative.
Wild Cards
Wild Cards let you invent your own custom prank.
- Be clever, bold, or ridiculous
- Perform it anytime during the game
- The group will vote on its Difficulty Score during the End Game Ritual
Gameplay Rules
- Pranks can be pulled anytime during the chosen timeframe.
- If possible, film them or have someone secretly record the chaos.
- Each prank can only be performed once — make it count!
Scoring Categories
Every prank gets scored out of 15 based on 3 categories:
1. Difficulty
- From the card (0–5)
- Or group-voted for Wild Cards
2. Execution
- How slick was the prank? (0–5)
3. Reaction
- Did the target scream, laugh, or explode with confusion? (0–5)
Collaboration Bonus:
If another player helped you plan or pull off the prank, both of you earn an automatic +2 bonus after scores are tallied.
The End Game Ritual
Here’s how the final showdown works:
1. Prank Reveal
Each player presents their pranks — via video, re-enactment, or storytime with dramatic flair.
2. Scoring Round 1
After each reveal, everyone scores it based on:
- Difficulty (card or group-voted)
- Execution
- Reaction
Track scores however you like — on your phone, group chat, scorecard, or takeaway menu.
Scoring Example
Player A nails the Bird Poop Prank — mayo on Grandad’s shoulder while he’s reading outside.
- Difficulty: 5
- Execution: 5 (clean hit, perfect timing)
- Reaction: 5 (pure skyward rage)
3 players score it:
15 × 3 = 45
Final Score: 45/45
No collaboration bonus (solo prank)
Scoring Round 2 Order
Start with the lowest scorer from Round 1 and build suspense as scores rise.
Crown the Winner
Total the points and declare the Ultimate Prank Champion.
Give them their well-earned Prankster Privileges.
Tie-Breaker Rule
If two players tie:
- Everyone else votes on who had the best prank
- Still tied? Flip a coin. Arm wrestle. Or start a new game.