Pick One

How to play

1. 1Read both options.
2. 2Pick one. Immediately.
3. 3"Both" and "neither" are banned. So is "it depends".
4. 4You may argue about your partner's answer for up to one minute.
5. 5The match score at the end shows how often you lined up.

Why couples love this game

The refusal to allow a diplomatic answer is the whole design. Most conversations about values let both people off the hook — this one does not, and the result is that you find out what your partner would actually trade away, which is a much sharper picture than what they say they value.

Pick One is the cruel version of This or That. Every pair is two things you would actually want, so there is no easy answer and no way to please anyone by picking.

The rule that makes it work is that "both" and "neither" are banned. The moment you allow a diplomatic answer the game stops producing anything.

It is short, it is fast, and it will produce at least one answer your partner refuses to accept.

Example choices

• Pick one Never travel again — or Never eat your favourite food again?
• Pick one Lose all your photos — or Lose all your music?
• Pick one A partner who is always honest — or A partner who is always kind?
• Pick one Your best friend — or Your dream job?
• Pick one Be respected — or Be adored?
• Pick one Know the truth and be miserable — or Be happy and wrong?

The full game has 40 of these, shuffled every time you play.

Who this game is best for

• —Couples who like a debate
• —Long drives
• —Double dates
• —Anyone who finds This or That too easy

Tips to make it better

• ✦Enforce the ban on "both". Without it there is no game.
• ✦Answer first, justify after. Justifying first produces a strategic answer.
• ✦One minute of arguing per card, maximum.
• ✦The ones where you both go quiet are the best cards in the deck.

Frequently asked questions