How to play Heads Up!

The objective

Your goal is simple: guess the word displayed on the phone from other players' clues. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A phone with Heads Up! or homemade cards and a timer.

How to set up

1. Choose a category and place the phone against the guesser's forehead.
2. Make sure clue-givers can see the screen.

How to play: step by step

1. Clue-givers describe or act out the displayed answer.
2. The guesser says answers aloud.
3. Tilt or mark the card correct after a right answer and pass when stuck.
4. Count correct answers when time ends.

Beginner strategies

• Give the most distinctive clue first.
• Pass quickly when a word stalls the group.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Saying part of the answer.
• Giving clues too quietly for the guesser.

Frequently asked questions