Telestrations

Overview

A word passes around the table through alternating drawings and guesses. Each player sees only the previous step, and the group reveals the changes at the end.

Edition scope. Based on The Op’s 2025 eight-player rules. Older copies may use a die for prompts and a 60-second drawing timer; follow the edition in the box. This is not Upside Drawn.

Objective

Complete and reveal the drawing-and-guessing chains. Scoring is optional; agree on the format before starting.

Setup

• Give each player a sketchbook, dry-erase marker, and prompt card. Write names in the books and remember their colors.
• Choose prompts privately and write them on the starting page. Pass all books in the same direction.
• Even number of players: draw your own prompt first. Odd number: pass left after writing your prompt; that player draws page one.

How to play

Choose a prompt → even group: draw first / odd group: pass first → alternate drawing and guessing → books return → reveal.

1. Draw

   Read the word you received and draw it on the next page. Do not use letters or numbers, or leave the page blank.

2. Pass

   Turn to the next page to hide your work. Wait until everyone is ready, then pass left together.

3. Guess

   Look only at the preceding drawing and write your guess on the next page. Hide it, then pass together.

4. Repeat and reveal

   Alternate drawing and guessing until your own book returns. It should end with a written guess. Take turns sharing the whole chain.

Worked example

A teaching illustration, not a correct answer. During the reveal, focus on where the interpretation changed, not on who drew badly.

Ending & scoring

For the first game, use the allowed no-scoring option: a round finishes when the books return and everyone has shared their results. For friendly scoring, each book’s owner awards 1 point to the author of their favorite sketch and 1 to the author of their favorite guess. The owner also gets 1 point if the final guess matches the original prompt. Play 3 rounds; highest total wins. Announce the scoring choice before starting.

Rules to double-check

• Everyone’s book moves at the same time; this is not a single drawing for the whole table to guess.
• Only consult the immediately preceding page, not the original prompt.
• With an odd number, pass once before drawing so the chain finishes with a guess.
• The new eight-player edition does not require a die or timer. Do not accidentally mix setup instructions from different editions.

Player tips / 玩家建议

Beginner suggestions based on the rules, not guaranteed winning moves. DMs can share these with the whole table before play.

• Draw the main idea first. Start with the object’s outline (轮廓) and one or two clear features. A simple drawing is often easier to read than a detailed scene.
• Show an action with a scene. For “swimming,” draw a person in water. Do not use letters or numbers to explain the picture.
• Guess from the picture you received. Give your best clear answer; do not try to recover the original prompt (原始题目) by looking at earlier pages.
• Let the funny changes happen naturally. Make an honest attempt, then enjoy the reveal (展示整条传递过程). These tips help the chain flow; there is no single winning strategy when scoring is optional.

Sources & edition notes

The Op · 2025 eight-player rulebook ↗

Chinese name reference ↗. Chinese names help identify the game; edition details may differ.

Box artwork: The Op Games · via Toys and Hobbys. Image source ↗. Artwork belongs to its respective rights holders; packaging may vary by edition.

Rules sources checked on 13 November 2026. Teaching scripts and practice tasks are suggested hosting aids. The publisher’s rules and the edition in the box remain the reference for exceptions.