Mysteriously spooky and sometimes scary, the Ouija Board has a long history of allowing its users to communicate with spirits. In these Ouija rules, you will learn how to use the board to ask spirits questions and get answers, if you’re lucky!
The Ouija Board, also known as “The Mystifying Oracle,” is a classic phenomenon used by people of all ages. Making an appearance in numerous movies and TV shows, the Ouija Board is often used for fun and entertainment during sleepovers or on Halloween night.
While most consider the Ouija Board to be just a “game,” some people genuinely believe it can be used to contact the dead. Are you up to the challenge to see if you can communicate with anyone in the afterlife?
Find out by reading more below!
This Ouija Board rules guide will cover the following:
- What is the Ouija Board?
- What you’ll need to play the Ouija Board
- A brief history of the Ouija Board
- Ouija Board rules
- Video Tutorial
- FAQs
- Similar game guides
What is the Ouija Board?
The Ouija Board is a board that displays the letters A-Z and numbers 1-0. It also contains the words yes, no, and goodbye.
By placing the Planchette on the board, participants ask the spirits questions and wait for responses. If the Planchette starts to move, that signifies the spirit is answering back!
Take note of what letters, numbers, or words they hover the Planchette over to get their answers!
Number of players: 2+
Ages: 8+
Difficulty: Easy
Length of play: Approx. 10min or until players decide to stop
Category: Board game, mystery, fortune telling, spooky
Similar to: Ouija: The Mystifying Card Game, Bloody Mary, Charlie Charlie
Main Objective: Ask questions to spirits and await their answers which will be revealed on the board!
Why We Love It: It’s a classic game that will create fun memories whether or not you are successful in communicating with the afterlife.
A Brief History of the Ouija Board
The Ouija Board was first advertised in 1891 as “Ouija, the Wonderful Talking Board.” To this day, researchers still do not know how it originated or who invented the board, but it’s assumed that spiritualists created it to speak with the dead.
Back in the era when it was suspected to have originated, the average life span was approximately 50 years old, and many people died at young ages of diseases, childbirth, etc… Therefore, the spiritualists wanted to find a way to communicate with their deceased loved ones.
It’s said that the board was given its name by the board itself! Spiritualists asked the board what it should be named, and it spelled out “Ouija.” It was then asked what Ouija meant, and it responded with “good luck.”
While some people are against using the Ouija Board due to religious beliefs or because they are scared of being haunted by ghosts, it still remains a classic game to play when you’re looking to add a little thrill and excitement to a fun gathering.
What You’ll Need to Play the Ouija Board
Everything you need to play the Ouija Board can be found in its box:
The following components are found inside each box:
- Ouija Board
- Planchette message indicator
- 3 Glide feet ( to be attached to the Planchette before playing)
Ouija Rules
Setup
If desired, place the Planchette under a lamp or in direct sunlight for about 10 minutes. The Planchette glows in the dark, so this will charge it long enough to light it up for a few sessions.
Place the board on a table or the floor, whichever is most comfortable for all participants. Keep a writing utensil and paper handy to write down any letters, numbers, or answers that are revealed if you successfully communicate with a spirit.
How to Play the Ouija Board
Players discuss if there is a specific spirit they would like to communicate with and then discuss questions they would like to ask them. If there is no specific spirit they would like to talk with, they can still ask a question and see if any nearby spirits will answer.
Next, two of the participants place 2 fingers each on the Planchette in the middle of the board, concentrate, and ask their questions one at a time, allowing a few minutes for an answer.
If the Planchette starts moving, record the letters, numbers, or words it hovers over to reveal the answers to your questions.
Video Tutorial for the Ouija Board
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended number of people to play with the Ouija Board?
Typically, 2-3 players would be best. Two players can move the Planchette, and the third can take note of what it hovers over, but you can technically involve any amount of players!
Where can I purchase a Ouija Board?
While it sounds like an item that is hard to find, you will have luck finding it almost anywhere online or at major retail stores in the gaming section!
Does the Ouija Board actually work?
Considering it has been around for over a century, there may be some truth behind the history and rumors of the board itself. If you really want to know, try purchasing one and try it out for yourself!
Similar Games to the Ouija Board (Our Guides)
If you enjoyed reading about the Ouija Board, check out these similar game guides (if we have covered them):
- Mysterium Rules
- Betrayal at House on the Hill Rules
- Clue Rules
- Mansions of Madness (guide coming soon)
- House of Danger – Choose Your Own Adventure (guide coming soon)
- Disney The Haunted Mansion – Call of The Spirits (guide coming soon)
- Clue Harry Potter Rules
