How to Play This Icebreaker Game
- 1Secretly select one person to be the detective and have them leave the room (or virtual space).
- 2The rest of the group agrees on a rule for answering questions. For example, 'Always answer as the person to your right would'.
- 3The detective returns and can ask yes/no questions to anyone in the group.
- 4The detective's goal is to deduce the secret rule by noticing the pattern in the answers.
Variations
Physical Clue: Add a prop or action everyone must include (e.g., 'tap your nose before answering').
Opposite Day: Group answers opposite of what they'd normally say.
Chain Rule: 'Answer as if you're the person who spoke before you.'
Facilitator Guide
Opening Script:
One detective steps out. We’ll pick a simple answering rule. Detective returns and asks yes/no questions to uncover the pattern.
Closing Script:
Which clues cracked it—outliers, timing, or phrasing? Call out one habit for better pattern spotting at work.
Why This Works
Why this icebreaker game works: It gamifies hypothesis testing and pattern recognition while keeping everyone engaged as ‘conspirators’.
Best For
Ideal icebreaker situations for this game include:
- Problem‑solving warm‑ups
- Medium groups
- Hybrid meetings
Important Notes
- Keep rules simple and fair (no inside jokes)
- Timebox both questioning and reveals
- Rotate detectives to spread spotlight
Ideas & Prompts
Easy Rules (Good for first-timers)
Answer the opposite of what's true
Always say yes
Always say no
Repeat the last word the detective said
Include the word 'because' in every answer
Answer as if you're always cold/hot
Scratch your head before answering
Tap the table before you speak
End every sentence with your favorite color
Medium Rules (More challenging)
Answer as the person to your left would
Answer as the person to your right would
If asked an odd-numbered question, say yes; even, say no
Cross your arms if the answer is yes, uncross if no
Smile when lying, frown when telling truth
Answer in the opposite gender pronoun
Speak in a silly accent
Use only one-word answers
Include an animal name in every response
Nod your head for yes, shake for no (but say the opposite)
Answer only with questions
Rhyme your answer with the detective's question word
Advanced Rules (Expert level)
Answer based on the detective's clothing color (blue = yes, other = no)
Agree with the person who answered before you, disagree if you're first
Answer correctly only if the detective says 'please'
Give truthful answers only to people wearing glasses
Answer with a celebrity name instead of yes/no
Speak as if you're from a different decade
Answer truthfully only if the detective is standing/sitting
Include a number in every response
Answer in alphabetical order as a group (A-words, then B-words, etc.)
Physical/Action Rules (In-person)
Mimic the detective's posture
Touch your nose before answering
Blink three times if the answer is yes
Point to the person you're answering as
Stand up to say yes, sit to say no
Wave your right hand for yes, left for no
Virtual-Friendly Rules
Turn your video on for yes, off for no
Use the 'raise hand' reaction for yes
Type your answer in chat instead of saying it
Use an emoji reaction only (👍 = yes, 👎 = no)
Change your Zoom name to 'Yes' or 'No' as your answer
Answer only when your video is on
Mute/unmute yourself based on yes/no
Game FAQ
How do we keep the detective from getting frustrated?
Give a 5-minute time limit and offer one free hint if they're truly stuck.
How do we keep the detective from getting frustrated?
Give a 5-minute time limit and offer one free hint if they're truly stuck.
What makes a good rule?
Simple and observable: 'answer yes/no opposite', 'mimic the asker's pose', 'end every sentence with a food'.
What makes a good rule?
Simple and observable: 'answer yes/no opposite', 'mimic the asker's pose', 'end every sentence with a food'.
Can this work virtually?
Yes! The detective can turn off their camera/audio or go to a breakout room while the group agrees on the rule.
Can this work virtually?
Yes! The detective can turn off their camera/audio or go to a breakout room while the group agrees on the rule.
