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How to play Ghost Blitz: flip a card, and every player races to grab the right wooden item from the middle of the table. If an item appears on the card in its true color, grab it. If not, grab the item that is not on the card at all, in shape or in color. Fastest correct grab wins the card, and the most cards at the end wins. These rules follow the official rules for the base game.
The box these rules cover: Ghost Blitz
Ghost Blitz is a speed and logic game for 2 to 8 players, ages 8 and up, that plays in about 20 minutes. It costs about $18. Some editions sold in the US carry the Spanish name Fantasma Blitz or the German name Geistesblitz on the box. The items, cards and rules are the same.
Price band: $10–$20 (about $18) · Check today’s price on Amazon
Ghost Blitz at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 to 8 |
| Ages | 8 and up |
| Game length | About 20 minutes |
| In the box | 5 wooden items and 60 cards |
| Goal | Collect the most cards by grabbing the right item first |
The five Ghost Blitz items and their true colors
Each wooden item has one true color. Learn these first, because the whole game depends on them:
| Item | True color |
|---|---|
| Ghost | White |
| Chair | Red |
| Bottle | Green |
| Book | Blue |
| Mouse | Gray |
Setting up Ghost Blitz
- Place the five wooden items in a circle in the middle of the table, where everyone can reach them.
- Shuffle the 60 cards and place them face down as a draw pile.
- Decide who flips first. Players take turns flipping cards.
How a round of Ghost Blitz works
- The player flipping turns over the top card so everyone sees it at the same moment.
- Everyone works out which item is correct and grabs it as fast as they can. Use one hand, and grab only once per card.
- The player who grabbed the correct item takes the card. Then put the item back and flip the next card.
How to find the right item in Ghost Blitz
Every card shows two items. There are two kinds of cards:
An item is in its true color
If one of the pictured items appears in its true color, such as a red chair, grab that item. In this example, grab the chair.
Neither item is in its true color
If neither item is shown in its own color, look for the item that does not appear on the card at all, in either shape or color. For example, a card shows a blue ghost and a green mouse. The ghost and mouse are pictured, and the colors blue (book) and green (bottle) are taken. The only item left with no shape and no color on the card is the red chair, so grab the chair.
Mistakes and penalties in Ghost Blitz
- If you grab the wrong item, you must give up one of the cards you have already won to the player who grabbed correctly.
- If you have no cards yet, there is no penalty.
- Each player gets only one grab per card, so think before you reach.
How to win Ghost Blitz
When the draw pile runs out, the player with the most cards wins.
Ghost Blitz variant: Grab or Shout
For a harder game, add one rule: when a book appears on the card, don’t grab. Shout the name of the correct item instead. Grabbing when you should shout, shouting the wrong name or grabbing the wrong item all cost you a card.
Ghost Blitz tips for families
- Play a few slow practice rounds where everyone explains their answer before anyone grabs.
- Let younger players count to three before adults can grab, to even out reaction times.
- Keep the items in a circle so no one starts with an easier reach.
Ghost Blitz is a great pick for fast-reacting families. See how it compares in Ghost Blitz vs Spot It, learn how to play Spot It, or grab a deck of Spot It! for another quick-reaction game.
Ghost Blitz rules FAQ
How do you know which item to grab in Ghost Blitz?
If an item appears in its true color, grab it. If not, grab the item whose shape and color are both missing from the card.
What are the true colors in Ghost Blitz?
White ghost, red chair, green bottle, blue book and gray mouse.
What happens if you grab the wrong item in Ghost Blitz?
You give up one of your won cards to the player who grabbed the correct item.
How many players can play Ghost Blitz?
2 to 8 players, ages 8 and up.
How do you win Ghost Blitz?
When the cards run out, the player with the most cards wins.
