Home / Game Library / Monikers

Free game guide · TABLE Method™

Monikers

Shared history and laughing together · Stage 3 (BGT suggestion)

Buy the guide, $7 See the TABLE plan

Monikers TABLE Method™ Game Guide cover

What the game is

A party game about getting your team to guess names on cards. The same deck is played in three rounds with tighter rules each time, so jokes and clues from early rounds become shared memory in later ones.

Why it works at a table

Monikers builds a small shared history in under an hour: a clue from round one becomes a callback in round three, and the group ends up with private jokes it made together. The book suggests it for closing sessions, where the goal is to end with something shared.

Try one variation

Co-op variant (classic edition) (official variant, in the official rules). Classic-edition co-op variant for four or fewer players: combine into one group, set a timer for one minute per card in the shared deck, and try to complete all three rounds, including reshuffles, before time runs out. Check whether your edition includes it.

  • Targets: Cooperation
  • Suits: Groups of 4 or fewer, or groups who prefer not to compete
  • Watch for: Louder players controlling guesses or taking most clue-giver turns. Offer fair chances to contribute without forcing anyone.
  • Debrief prompt: “How did it feel with everyone on one team?”

The TABLE Method™, applied

A short excerpt from the full guide's TABLE plan. Anyone can pass, pause, or stop at any time.

  1. Target

    Notice how the group builds on shared moments and how players handle performing, especially in charades.

  2. Assess

    Check the player count, the time, and whether the game serves today's goal.

    • Is performing in front of the group comfortable for everyone? Round 3 is charades; plan options.

  3. Build

    • Screen the full deck for age, setting, cultural references, and participant comfort before the session.
    • Anyone may skip a card or decline to be clue-giver; a teammate takes that clue turn.

  4. Lead

    • Take an early clue turn and be a little silly to set the tone.
    • Laugh with, never at.

  5. Extract and Extend

    Debrief in order: Board, Self, Us, Life or Work, Extension. Ask what participants make of the game. Do not tell them.

Game not included; play by the rulebook in your box. In the BGT book: Chapter 9 (Games Across the Lifespan), with a participant reflection, and Appendix F (six-week week 6; twelve-week weeks 11 to 12) for shared history and ending well. Independent companion. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CMYK (Palm Court). Monikers is a trademark of its owner and is named only to identify the game. Board Game Therapy is not inherently psychotherapy. Copyright 2026 Solid State Strategies, LLC.

← Back to the Game Library