If you’re a fan of word games and party games, then Just One might just be your next favourite. It’s simple, social, and endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or even a group of people you’ve just met, this game creates those hilarious ‘how did you not get that?!’ and the group face palms when 3 of the 5 people all put the same word and you’re left with 2 very disparate words that loosely connect to the target word. It’s those moments that stick with you long after the final round.
What is Just One?
Just One is a cooperative party game where players work together to guess a mystery word. It’s a bit like a word-association quiz but with a clever twist: if two or more players write down the same clue, those clues are cancelled out! This creates a mix of creativity and mind games as you try to outthink your fellow players without overlapping their ideas.
Key Details:
- Designer: Ludovic Roudy & Bruno Sautter
- Publisher: Repos Production
- Players: 3-7
- Playtime: Around 20 minutes
- Recommended Age: 8+
- Game Type: Cooperative word game
How to Play Just One
The rules are delightfully simple:
- Draw a Card – The guessing player draws a card and picks a number (without looking at the word). That number corresponds to a secret word that everyone else will see.
- Write Clues – The other players each write down a one-word clue on their boards, without showing anyone.
- Cancel Duplicates – Before the guessing player sees them, all identical clues are erased.
- Guess the Word – The guessing player sees the remaining clues and tries to figure out the mystery word.
- Continue for 13 Rounds – The aim is to get as many correct guesses as possible across 13 rounds.
If the team gets all 13 correct, they’ve absolutely smashed it—but honestly, anything above 8 is a solid score. The fun comes from the chaotic clue overlap (or lack thereof) and the ‘Oh no! Why did you all write banana?!’ moments.
The Components: What’s in the Box?
You don’t need much to get started, and Just One keeps things beautifully simple:
- 110 double-sided word cards (for loads of replayability)
- 7 dry-erase easels for writing clues
- 7 dry-erase markers
- A rulebook
That’s it. No complex setup, no overwhelming rulebook—just pick up and play.
Playing at Different Player Counts
One of the great things about Just One is that it scales beautifully. Here’s how it plays at different numbers:
- 3 Players: The most challenging way to play! With only two clues per round, avoiding overlap is tricky, but it’s a great brain teaser.
- 4-5 Players: A solid mix—enough variety in clues to avoid constant erasures but still a decent level of challenge.
- 6-7 Players: Maximum fun! More players means more potential duplicates, leading to hilarious rounds where only one terrible clue remains.
Why It’s Such a Great Party Game
A few things make Just One a standout choice for game nights:
- Super quick to learn – Explain the rules in under a minute, and you’re off.
- Fast-paced – There’s no long downtime, and rounds fly by.
- Plays well with mixed ages – Whether it’s kids, grandparents, or casual gamers, everyone can contribute.
- Loads of replayability – Even with the same words, different groups will give wildly different clues.
It’s also one of those rare games where winning doesn’t even matter that much—you’ll be laughing too hard to care.
Are There Any Expansions or Variants?
Right now, Just One doesn’t have official expansions, but you can always mix things up yourself:
- Use House Rules – Limit clue categories (e.g., only adjectives) or allow two-word clues for a more strategic game.
- Create Custom Words – Write your own words to make things personal and unpredictable.
- Play in Reverse – Have the group guess one person’s clue rather than the other way around.
Digital Versions: Can You Play Just One Online?
Yes! If you fancy playing remotely, Just One is available on Board Game Arena. It works brilliantly in an online setting, as players can type in their clues, and the system automatically removes duplicates. Perfect for keeping in touch with friends who live miles apart.
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Play Just One
Just One is a must-have for any board game collection. It’s easy, engaging, and creates those ‘aha!’ and ‘oh no!’ moments that make party games so much fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick filler game, something for a family gathering, or just an excuse to laugh with friends, this game delivers.
And honestly, once you play a few rounds, you’ll see why it won the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2019. It’s simple, smart, and endlessly replayable—what’s not to love?
Buy Just One from Amazon