On New Year’s Eve (or a birthday), you dump the jar and take turns reading the slips aloud. You inevitably forget 90% of the entries, making the laughter genuine and loud.

Whether you are a teacher looking for classroom rewards, a parent battling “I’m bored” syndrome, or an adult hosting a game night, here is your complete guide to the surprisingly deep world of jar games. This is the gold standard. You fill a clear jar with identical items (beans, marbles, M&Ms, or paperclips) and ask players to guess the quantity.

Happy gaming, and don’t drop the jar.

Write conversation starters on popsicle sticks or folded slips. Fill the jar. Pass it around the room. Each person pulls one and answers.