Categories Game Generator
Get a random letter and a list of categories for the classic word game – for family game night, the classroom or a party.
About this tool
Draw a random letter and 3 to 20 random categories, such as “an animal”, “something in the kitchen” or “a reason to be late”. Everyone writes one answer per category starting with the letter before time runs out; answers nobody else has score a point. Choose easy letters only and a kids’ list for younger players.
Frequently asked questions
Draw a letter and a list of categories, start a timer (2–3 minutes works well) and have everyone write one answer per category that starts with the letter. Read the answers aloud: each valid answer that nobody else wrote scores 1 point. Play several rounds with new letters and add up the scores.
Q, U, V, X, Y and Z, which leaves 20 letters. Few everyday words start with them, so a round becomes frustrating rather than fun. Choose all letters (26) for a harder game.
About 10–12 for adults with a 3-minute timer, and 5–6 for younger children with no strict time limit. The kids’ list keeps only categories that need no general knowledge, such as animals, colours and things in the kitchen.
Agree before you start: an answer counts if the majority of players accept it. Some groups add a house rule that alliteration earns a bonus – “Purple Penguin” for an animal on P scores 2 points.
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