The Poll Game Rulebook

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Game Contents
• The Object of The Game
• Setting Up The Game
• Playing The Game

Game Contents

Game Board 250 Poll Question Cards 40 Pollster's Choice Cards 8 Player Markers 8 Declaration Chips 8 Sets of Voting Cards Game Guide

The Object of The Game

thepollgame is for up to 8 players of ages 18 and up. thepollgame tests your ability to use your insights, instincts and knowledge of human nature to determine your fellow players' responses. Each player, in turn, is given the opportunity to select a Poll question or create a Poll question of his or her own. You become the Pollster!

The first player to advance to the center of the board wins, though the fun and conversation generated from the Poll questions are what the game is all about.

Setting Up The Game

Each player selects a player marker and places it on the nearest "Start" position on the game board. Up to two players may share the same path. Each "Start" position is exactly the same distance from the center circle.

Each player is given a set of Voting Cards (numbered 0-8) and a Declaration Chip. The Declaration Chip is green on one side, to signify a "Yes" response, and red on the reverse, to signify a "No" response.

The Poll question cards are shuffled, divided in half and placed question-side down in the rectangular areas on the game board. Used question cards are returned to their storage box.

Playing The Game

To begin The Poll Game, elect one of the players to serve as the initial "Pollster." The Pollster begins play by asking the first Poll question. The role of the Pollster then rotates in a counterclockwise manner, with each player taking a turn selecting a card from the deck and asking the Poll question until there is a winner.

1. Asking the Question. The Pollster selects a Poll question from either deck of cards or goes "off the board" by asking a Poll question of their choosing. The "off the board" questions insure the game will have a timeless quality. Think about it — What's happening in the news? Who's running for election? What do you want to know about your fellow players? An "off the board" Poll question must be one that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No" response.

If a Pollster's Choice card is drawn from the deck, the Pollster makes up a "Yes or No" question related to one of the listed categories — Current Events, Food & Drink, Money, or Relationships.

2. Answering the Question. First determine how many players will answer "Yes" to the Poll question, including your own response. Don't over think the question. Answer the question from the perspective, "In general, do you or would you…?"

Each player then selects the Voting Card representing the anticipated total number of "Yes" votes and places the Voting Card number-side down in front of them, so as to conceal their response from the other players. Each player then personally responds to the question by concealing their Declaration Chip on the table, either green-side up for "Yes" or red-side up for "No." Players keep their Declaration Chips and Voting Cards concealed until all players have voted.

Note: You may not change your yes/no response once the votes are revealed. Take care to place the appropriate side of the Declaration Chip face up — green for "Yes" or red for "No." For example: If a player places their Declaration Chip red-side up but intended to answer "Yes," their vote must be counted as a "No" and that player is penalized by moving back one space. If they are still in the "Start" space, there is no penalty.

3. Counting the Vote. When all of the Declaration Chips are placed on the table, the Pollster calls for the vote and all of the responses to the Poll question are revealed at the same time. The Pollster tallies the vote and each player who correctly predicted the number of "Yes" responses advances one space toward the center circle. If only one player correctly predicts the vote, that player moves two spaces forward. Play continues with alternating pollsters until a player reaches the center circle.

4. Incorrect Answers. If a player answers incorrectly (whether intentionally or not) and another player reminds them of their true answer, the player in error must move back one space — deception adds no value to the game.

Tip: Those who anticipate how a fellow player will interpret a question are at an advantage.

5. The Power of the Pollster. The Pollster is the final authority for each round in all matters such as clarification of Poll questions and determining the scoring for the round. The Pollster has the authority to define the scope of the question or leave it to the players' individual interpretation.

6. In Case of a Tie. If more than one player lands on the center circle on the same play, only the players in the center will continue to use their Voting Cards to break the tie. However, all players participate in alternating as the Pollster and answering the questions until the winner is determined.