
Fast to learn 5 Second Game Rules
Check out our easy to understand explainer videos and guide on the 5 second rule game rules.
Find out about 5 Second Rule
Suitable for 3 – 6 players | 30 – 30 mins duration | Recommended age 10+ | Game complexity: EASY
Genre: Card Games,Party Game,Real-time,Trivia Solo game mode: No Co-op: No
Online Version: No
Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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PlayMonster 5 Second Rule Game - New Edition , Red | $21.99 $14.02 | Buy on Amazon |
What is the goal? #
- Correctly answer the most questions before the balls in the spiral timer reach the bottom
Game setup #
- Place cards go into the card box
- Cards have the same colour facing the front and draw end
- Card box and timer are positioned in the table centre
- Players choose and place their pawn on the board’s START
- Each player gets:
- 2 PASS ON cards
- 2 SWITCH cards
Gameplay #
The youngest player is the Hot Seat player and starts first. Play proceeds clockwise. 5 second rule gameplay involves the following:
- Player on the Hot Seat player’s right draws card, reads it aloud and starts timer
- Hot Seat player provides 3 answers within 5 seconds (indicated by timer)
- If Hot Seat player answers correctly, they move one space forward on board
- If Hot Seat player is not able to answer all 3, next player on their left tries to provide 3 answers in 5 seconds
- Next player cannot use previously provided answers
- This continues in a circle until a player provides 3 answers in 5 seconds. This player will move one space forward on the board
- If play reaches original Hot Seat player and no one has provided 3 answers in 5 seconds, the Hot Seat player moves one space forward on the board
- Player to the left of the original Hot Seat player becomes new Hot Seat player and starts with new different card. Play continues as above.


Special Cards #
Special cards can be played by the Hot Seat player. There are 2 types of cards: Pass On and Switch. When playing special cards, Hot Seat player must call out “Pass On” or “Switch” immediately AFTER hearing their question.
Pass On Cards #
- Question is passed to the player on the left of the Hot Seat player
- If player on the left gives 3 correct answers, they move forward one board space
- If player fails to give 3 correct answers, the original Hot Seat player moves forward one board space
- If Pass On is used, the question does not get passed on around to the next player
Switch Cards #
Hot Seat player can change for a new question when using the SWITCH card. When used, a new card is drawn.
Danger Zone space #
If a player moves to this space, they must provide 3 correct answers on their next turn or next attempt (when someone has answered incorrectly). If they don’t give 3 correct answers, they miss a turn/attempt to answer any question.
When you need to miss a turn, place your pawn on its side. After the missed turn, place pawn back upright.

How to win? #
Players progress on the board until they reach FINISH. 1st player to reach FINISH wins the game.