Section 6: Scoring
Standard Scoring
A team earns one point when an eligible teammate correctly identifies the complete prompt before the turn expires. No point is awarded for an unsolved prompt, a guess made after the expiration signal, or a solution obtained through an illegal clue.
After each team has received the agreed number of turns, the team with the most points wins. A practical game consists of enough rounds for every player to act at least once. If the scores are tied, the teams may accept the tie or play equal extra turns until one team leads after both have had the same number of opportunities.
Close Answers
A guess may be accepted when it has the same clear meaning as the written prompt and differs only in an insignificant article, singular or plural form, or ordinary contraction. Distinct titles, proper names, sequels, and numbered installments should be identified accurately. The moderator should apply the same standard to both teams.
Optional Scoring Systems
- Difficulty points: Easy prompts score one point, medium prompts score two, and difficult prompts score three. Difficulty must be assigned before the prompt is drawn.
- Speed bonus: Award an extra point for solving within a stated portion of the turn, such as the first 30 seconds of a 60-second round.
- Steal point: After an unsuccessful turn, the opposing team receives one guess and earns one point if correct.
- Race total: The first team to reach a target such as 10 points wins, provided teams receive equal turns if the target is reached by the starting team.
- Cooperative score: The group counts all solved prompts and tries to beat a previous total within a fixed overall time.
Only one scoring system should govern a particular game unless compatible bonuses have been explained in advance. Mid-game scoring changes require the agreement of every team.