If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss game to play with the kids, Consequences is a brilliant choice. All you need is paper and a pen, and you’re guaranteed a few laugh-out-loud moments when the finished stories are read aloud.
Consequences is one of the classic parlour games — the kind of indoor game families and friends played together long before screens took over rainy afternoons. It’s still just as much fun today, and it’s perfect for birthday parties, wet weekend days, or any time you need a quick, giggle-inducing activity that needs almost nothing to set up.
How To Play Consequences
You will need
- Paper
- 1 or more pens
How To Play
Take a long sheet of paper and fold it in half, then in half again, as many times as the paper will allow — the more folds, the more sections you’ll have to fill in.
The first person writes the first line of the story on the first section, then folds the paper back so the next person can’t see what’s been written. Pass it along and take it in turns to add the next part of the story, each person folding the paper before passing it on.
You can follow a set structure, such as:
1. An adjective and a man’s name
2. An adjective and a woman’s name
3. Where they met
4. What he said to her
5. What she said to him
6. What happened next
7. What the consequence was
8. What the world said
Or simply make up your own version of the story structure! Be as funny and as creative as you like — the sillier the better.
Once every section has been filled in, unfold the paper and read the whole story aloud from start to finish. Because nobody could see what anyone else wrote, the results are usually completely unpredictable and often very funny.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you need to play Consequences?
Consequences works best with four or more players, but you can play with just two or three by folding the paper into fewer sections. The more players you have, the more unpredictable — and funnier — the final story tends to be.
What age is Consequences suitable for?
Consequences suits children who can write a simple sentence on their own, roughly from about six or seven upwards, right through to adults. It’s a genuinely all-ages game that works well at family gatherings.
Do you need any special equipment to play?
No — just paper and a pen or pencil for each player (or one pen passed around the group). There’s no board, cards, or printable required.
Can younger children join in if they can’t write yet?
Yes, a parent or older sibling can act as the “scribe” for a younger child, writing down what they say for their turn, so they can still take part in the fun.
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Give It a Try
Consequences costs nothing to play and takes only a couple of minutes to explain, making it a great one to keep in your back pocket for the next rainy day or long car journey. Browse our other classic games and rainy day ideas for more easy, low-cost fun the whole family can enjoy together.
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Has this inspired you to play? Have you taught your child how to play Consequences? Tell us in the comments below.
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