The Big Idea

About this board game

The Big Idea is a party game for 3–6 players that takes about 25 minutes to play. In the 2011 edition, players combine adjective and noun cards to create imaginative inventions, then compete to have their ideas rewarded.

Each player has a hand of cards and may combine any number of adjectives and nouns into a fancy invention. Once the inventions are ready, players take turns pitching their ideas to the group, lobbying everyone as though they were presenting to a crowd of venture capitalists.

After all the pitches, players secretly vote on the invention they believe should receive the reward. A reward card is placed face down in front of the chosen invention, while blank cards are placed in front of all the others. The player who collects the most rewards wins the round.

• Create inventions by combining adjective and noun cards.
• Pitch your ideas to the other players.
• Secretly vote for the invention you think deserves the reward.

With its focus on creativity, presentation, and group judgment, The Big Idea transforms invention-building into a true party game. The 2011 edition removes the earlier design’s money and investment elements, keeping the attention on inventive combinations and entertaining pitches.

Unlike the earlier Cheapass Games release, the Funforge edition features high-quality, full-color illustrated cards in a box. Its short playing time and emphasis on player-created ideas make it a lively choice for groups looking for a light, interactive game.