Official Telestrations Rules

Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Telestrations is a hilarious party game that combines telephone and Pictionary. Players start by writing down a word or phrase, then the next player draws it, the following player guesses what the drawing is, and so on. As the “telephone” message travels around the group, things are bound to get lost in translation, leading to ridiculous drawings, hilarious misinterpretations, and plenty of laughs.

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How to Play Telestrations

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Object of the Game

The goal of Telestrations is simple: have fun, create ridiculous sketches, and enjoy seeing how each sketchbook evolves from the first page to the last guess. Winning is optional, but if you choose to use friendly scoring or competitive scoring, points are awarded based on correct guesses and helpful drawings.

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Game Components

Inside the card box, you’ll find:

• 72 double-sided word cards with hundreds of prompts
• 6 sketch books (spiral-bound)
• 6 dry-erase markers
• Clean-up cloths
• A die
• Built-in score sheets

Each sketch book belongs to one player for the entire round, starting with its original owner.

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Setup

1. Place the cards, die, and cloths in the middle of the table.
2. As a group, decide whether everyone will use “This Side” or “That Side” of the prompt cards.
3. Each player takes:
   • One sketchbook
   • One of the pens (dry-erase markers)
   • One word card
4. Write your name on the first page of your sketchbook.
5. Choose a player to roll the die to begin.

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Choosing the Original Prompt

The die roll determines which word or category you use from your card.

• If the space is blank, invent your own word.
• If a category is shown, create a word that fits it.
• Some cards allow you to choose any word on the card.

Secretly write your original prompt on page one. Do not show or say it aloud.

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Gameplay Overview

Each round consists of alternating sketching and guessing, with books being passed from player to player.

Sketching Phase

• Turn to the next sketch it page.
• Draw the prompt you see using pictures only—no letters, numbers, or symbols.
• When finished, flip to the next page to hide your drawing.
• Pass the open sketch book to the player on your left.

Guessing Phase

• Look at the previous page to view the sketch.
• Write your guess on the current page.
• Turn to the next page and pass the book left again.

This continues until everyone gets their own sketchbook back. Every book should end with a written guess, not a drawing.

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Player Count Adjustment

• With 4 or 6 players, gameplay proceeds normally.
• With 5 players, the book is passed once before the first sketch so the round still ends on a guess.

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The Big Reveal

Once all books return to their original owner, it’s time for the reveal.

Each player flips through their sketch book page by page, showing:

• The original prompt
• Each sketch
• Each previous guess
• The last guess

This is where the biggest laughs usually happen, especially when the final result is nothing like the starting word.

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Scoring Options

Scoring is optional and meant to enhance replayability.

Friendly Scoring

After reviewing your book:

• Give 1 point for your favorite sketch
• Give 1 point for your favorite guess
• Give yourself 1 point if the last guess matches your original prompt

Competitive Scoring

• Guessers earn 1 point for matching the secret word or previous guess
• Sketchers earn 1 point if their drawing leads to a correct guess
• Original owners earn 1 point if the final guess matches the original prompt

A game typically lasts three rounds.

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Strategy Tips

• Simple drawings work best—clarity beats detail.
• Focus on the main idea, not artistic quality.
• When guessing, always write something; a wrong guess is better than none.
• Think like the next player, not yourself.
• Avoid overthinking—Telestrations rewards speed and creativity.

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End of the Game

After three rounds, total the points if scoring is used. The player with the highest score wins, but most groups agree the real reward is the laughter created along the way.

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Variations & Replay Ideas

• Reverse passing direction next round
• Draw using your non-dominant hand
• Create themed prompt decks
• Let younger players freely choose their prompts
• Change seats between rounds

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Care & Storage

• Fully erase all pages before returning books to the game box
• Recap dry-erase markers after use
• Avoid using markers on fabric or furniture

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

Telestrations is a perfect example of an entertaining game that thrives on creativity, misinterpretation, and shared laughter. Whether played casually or with full scoring, it delivers memorable moments every round. If you enjoy Telestrations, you might also like Pictionary, another classic drawing-and-guessing party game.