When it comes to family game nights, fast-pace naming games hold a special places in our hearts – they have this wonderful ability to turn even the quietest players into frantic blurters or confident wordsmiths into blubbering forgetful messes. Creating instant laughter, they produce the kind of fun and chaotic energy that makes a game night unforgettable. There’s something irresistible starting a timer and asking players to name simple things: pets, things you find in an office or things that you walk on. The challenge is to shout out whatever relevant answer pops into your head before your brain freezes entirely. These games work because they’re universal: no complicated rules, no heavy strategic play, just pure, silly pressure. And 5 Second Rule Relay, the team‑based twist on the classic 5 Second Rule, takes that frantic fun and cranks it up another notch. For What’s Good to Play, I dove into this party‑friendly, family‑friendly, chaos‑friendly game to see whether the relay format really adds something new.
You probably already know the game of 5 Second Rule, where you need to name three things in five seconds. Well, 5 Second Rule Relay keeps this core idea but has added a clever cooperative twist. Players no longer face that dreaded timer alone, in Relay teamwork is essential. Players still need to name things as quickly as possible, but this time they must name one and pass the baton (well, the timer) along to the next player for them to continuing naming, completing the challenges together. This new twist not only sees individual pressure but adds more to the group as a whole, changing the momentum and feel of the game in a brilliant way. While still about fast thinking, it’s also about keeping the chain of answers going, passing the baton correctly, supporting your teammates and trying not to be the one who breaks the streak. The result is a game that feels more energetic, more interactive and far more hilarious.
In the box:
- 374 Cards
- Electronic Relay Baton (requires 3xAAA batteries, not supplied)
- Carrying Case
- Rules / Instructions
5 Second Rule Relay is a game with straightforward gameplay, anyone can jump in and be playing within minutes. 2 to 12 players play as a cooperative game. To play, remove the Life and Pass cards from the decks and distribute evenly to all players (any spares go back into the deck). The starting player picks up the relay baton and holds in by the end in one hand. Another players picks a card, which gives a prompt: “Name things you can frame,” “Name items you put in a bowl,” or “Name Taylor Swift songs” and reads it aloud. The first player (who is holding the relay baton) presses the button opposite the end they are holding to start the timer, they now have five seconds to answer. If they succeed, they pass the baton to the next teammate where the timer automatically resets. The new player then has 5 seconds to answer the same question, passing the baton along to any player of their choosing to continue. The player who can’t come up with an answer loses one of their Life cards and a new round begins. If a players is struggling with an answer and they have a Pass card they can sit out that round (it can be played at any time, even if you have already answered before). Play continues until there is only one player left with a Life card.
Overall, we have always loved playing the 5 Second Rule naming games but have really enjoyed this Relay version as it adds a bit more interactive excitement. It is also an excellent family game that spans across all ages and abilities. Younger players can join in easily because the prompts are straightforward and the rules are minimal. Adults, meanwhile, will find themselves tripping over their own thoughts as the timer ticks down. The game cleverly levels the playing field with a varied mix of prompts and kids often outperform grown‑ups simply because they’re less self‑conscious and more willing to shout the first thing that comes to mind. That unpredictability is part of the charm.
As for the cards, well the prompts themselves are varied and well‑balanced, covering plenty of subjects on the double-sided cards (although they are American-based, such as chip flavors – crisp flavours). Some are broad enough to feel manageable under pressure, while others are just tricky enough to cause delightful panic. The mix keeps the game fresh, and because the rounds are so quick, even a tough card doesn’t derail the fun.
The timer, in this case a relay baton, is fantastic. It is a good length (about 23.5cm), is easy to hold and use. With its flashing countdown blue lights and sounds, it is one of the most effective stress‑inducing devices in tabletop gaming. It’s impossible not to laugh when someone freezes completely, blurting out nonsense as the timer runs out (it flashes red and makes a new sound).
Team play is where this version really shines. The relay format encourages cheering, groaning and collective celebration. It also means no one is sitting around waiting for their turn for long. The pace of the game is brisk, the rounds are short and the energy stays high throughout. For larger groups, 5 Second Rule Relay a fantastic party option as everyone stays involved and the game naturally creates memorable moments.
For us, 5 Second Rule Relay is lots of fun, perfect for family game night party games. Very easy to play (as long as your mind doesn’t draw a blank on the simplest of questions) and it is lots of fun.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99
Available to buy from Amazon here.