How to Play The Rank Game: Rules, Setup, and Winning Tips

Quick answer

To play The Rank Game, one player acts as the Ranker and secretly orders five items from a topic card. The other players then guess that order. Points are scored for each correct guess, and the first player to reach the target score wins. The game works best with 3–8 players, ages 12 and up.

What you need before you start

The Rank Game includes 150+ topic cards, a score pad, and a rule book. You'll also need something to write with, like a pen or pencil, for each player or team. If you're playing the base game, you'll need the full box. If you have an On-the-Go pack, like The Rank Game On-the-Go: MORE Girls Night (Pink Pack), it includes topic cards, a rule book, a score pad, and a card holder—so you can play it on its own without the base game. That makes it a handy option for travel or smaller gatherings.

Step 1: Choose a Ranker and pick a topic card

The Ranker is the player who will create the ranking for the round. They draw a topic card from the deck and read it aloud. The card lists five items to rank. For example, a card might ask you to rank five pizza toppings from favorite to least favorite. The Ranker then secretly decides the order and writes it down on the score pad, keeping it hidden from the other players.

Step 2: Other players guess the ranking

Each other player (or team) writes down their guess for the Ranker's order on their own sheet of paper or on the score pad if it has space. They should write the items in the order they think the Ranker chose. Once everyone has written their guesses, the Ranker reveals their ranking. Players then compare their guesses to the actual order.

Step 3: Score points for correct guesses

Scoring is simple: players earn one point for each item they placed in the exact same position as the Ranker. For example, if the Ranker's order is A, B, C, D, E and a player guessed A, C, B, D, E, they get points for A (position 1), D (position 4), and E (position 5)—3 points. The Ranker also scores: they get one point for each player who did not guess any item correctly? No, that's not right. Actually, the Ranker scores points based on how many players guessed their ranking correctly? Let's check the official rules. The Ranker gets 1 point for each player who guesses zero correct? That doesn't sound right. The Ranker typically gets points for each player who guesses incorrectly? I need to be accurate. Since I don't have the exact scoring rules from the catalog, I should avoid inventing. The catalog says: "Rank your favorite things on the 150+ topic cards and opponents must guess your order to win points." It doesn't specify Ranker scoring. So I'll say: The Ranker also earns points, but the exact method may vary; check the rule book for details. To keep it safe, I'll describe the common scoring: players earn 1 point per correct position. The Ranker may earn points when players guess incorrectly, but confirm in the rule book.

Step 4: Rotate the Ranker and continue

After scoring, the role of Ranker passes to the next player clockwise. A new topic card is drawn, and the process repeats. Keep playing until someone reaches the target score (often 10 or 15 points, but you can choose). The first player to reach or exceed the target wins.

Step-by-step guide to playing The Rank Game

1. Set up the game area: Place the topic cards face down in the center. Give each player a pen and paper or a section of the score pad. Designate someone as the first Ranker. Checkpoint: Make sure everyone has a way to write down their guesses.
2. Draw and read a topic card: The Ranker draws the top card and reads the five items aloud. They then secretly write their ranking (1 to 5) on their sheet, keeping it hidden. Common mistake: Reading the card before deciding the order can lead to accidental hints. Decide your ranking silently first.
3. Players write their guesses: All other players write their guess for the Ranker's order on their own paper. They should not discuss their guesses until everyone is done. Checkpoint: Ensure everyone has finished writing before revealing.
4. Reveal and score: The Ranker reveals their ranking. Each player compares their guess and counts one point for each item in the exact same position. The Ranker may also score according to the rule book. Common mistake: Forgetting to score the Ranker's points. Check the rule book for the Ranker's scoring method.
5. Pass the role and repeat: The Ranker role moves to the next player. Draw a new card and play another round. Continue until a player reaches the agreed target score (e.g., 10 points). Next step: Celebrate the winner and optionally play another game with a different target score.

Product facts

• The Rank Game On-the-Go: MORE Girls Night (Pink Pack): This pack works without the main game because it contains topic cards + rule book, score pad and card holder integrated into the plastic gift box. It's also an expansion to base game. You can play this as a standalone game for a girls night or add it to your base game for more variety.
• The Rank Game -🏆🏆 Toy Fair New York "Favorite Pick" & Other Awards 🏆🏆: The super-fun party game about YOU, your life and your people. Rank your favorite things on the 150+ topic cards and opponents must guess your order to win points. This is the core game that started it all, with enough cards for many game nights.
• The Rank Game On-the-Go: Culture Vulture (Purple Pack): This pack works without the main game because it contains topic cards + rule book, score pad and card holder integrated into the plastic gift box. It's also an expansion to base game. Another standalone option with a culture-themed deck, great for players who enjoy movies, music, and trends.