Overview

Pluckin’ Pairs is a party game where players simultaneously pair up picture cards based on whatever connections they see between the images. Points are scored for each pair that matches another player’s pairing, but if everyone makes the same pair, it scores zero.

Components

• 150 double-sided picture cards
• Score/answer pads
• Pencils
• 90-second timer

Setup

Place the deck of cards to one side. Give each player an answer sheet and pencil.

Turn Structure

The game is played over 6 rounds. Each round follows this sequence:

1. Deal: Lay out 11 picture cards face-up on the table.
2. Pair: Flip the timer. All players have 90 seconds to secretly write down 5 pairs on their score sheets. The 11th unpaired image goes in the “Bad Apple” slot (does not score by default). Only pairs written before time runs out count.
3. Score: One player announces their pairs. For each announced pair, that player raises their hand. Every other player who made the same pair also raises their hand. Everyone with a raised hand scores 1 point per raised hand. If everyone raised their hand, the pair scores zero. If no one matches the announced pair, it scores zero. Continue clockwise around the table with each player announcing their remaining unscored pairs.
4. Next round: Flip the 11 cards over (use the other side). Once both sides have been used, discard and draw 11 new cards.

Actions

On each round, players make exactly 5 pairs from the 11 available images. Connections between paired images can be straightforward, funny, or abstract. There is no requirement to explain your reasoning.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

After 6 rounds, total all scores. The player with the highest total score wins.

Scoring per pair: 1 point per player who made the same pair (including yourself), but 0 if ALL players made that pair.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Adjustable game length: Players may agree to play more or fewer than 6 rounds.
• Bad Apples variant: Optionally, the leftover image in the Bad Apple slot scores 2x the number of raised hands (matching players).
• Pairs must be written before the 90-second timer expires.
• Each image can only be used in one pair per round.

Player Reference

Phase	Action
1. Deal	Lay out 11 picture cards face-up
2. Pair	90 seconds to secretly write 5 pairs
3. Score	Announce pairs; 1 point per matching player (0 if all match or none match)
4. Next Round	Flip cards or draw new ones

Rounds: 6 (adjustable) Win: Highest total score after all rounds.