📖 Rules
How to play Green Glass Door
One host, one secret rule, everyone packing a bag. Here are the full rules of the Green Glass Door party game — and how scoring works in the app.
In one breath
The host secretly reads a rule. Everyone else takes turns saying “I'm packing…” and an item; the host says pack if it fits the rule and leave if it doesn't. When you think you've cracked it, prove it by naming 3 fitting items in a row. First to pack their bag scores the most, then the next player hosts.
What you need
- 3 to 12 players sitting together.
- One phone with Green Glass Door — it gets passed to whoever hosts.
- No cards, no pens, no accounts.
The rules, step by step
- Add the players. Type everyone's name; the first player hosts the first round.
- Pick your packs. Choose one or more packs — Glass Door and Categories are free. Each round the host gets a random rule from them.
- The host peeks at the secret rule. Only the host looks. The rule card shows examples of what to pack and what to leave, so the host can judge with confidence.
- Players take turns packing. Going round the table, each player says “I'm packing…” and any item they like.
- The host judges. Item fits the rule? Swipe right — Pack. Doesn't fit? Swipe left — Leave. Everyone hears the verdict and learns from it.
- Got it? Prove it. When you think you know the rule, say so and the host swipes up — Got it! Now name 3 fitting items in a row. One miss and the turn moves on; get all 3 and your bag is packed.
- The round ends when everyone has packed their bag or the timer runs out.
- Swap hosts. The phone moves to the next player, who hosts a new rule. After the last round, the podium crowns the winner.
Scoring
| Who | Points |
|---|---|
| First to pack their bag | +3 |
| Second to pack | +2 |
| Everyone else who packs | +1 |
| Host, rule “just right” | +2, minus 1 for each hint used |
| Host, nobody packed (too hard) | 0 |
| Host, everyone packed within a couple of turns each (too easy) | 0 |
A tie at the top after the last round? The tied players go into a tiebreaker round. Made a mistake judging? The host can undo the last swipe.
Game settings
- Round timer — Quick, Long, Custom, or no timer at all.
- Rounds — as many as you like; everyone hosts in turn.
- Hints — the host can reveal a clue about the rule. Each costs the host 1 point.
- Write down items — the host types each item said, so nobody argues about what was packed.
Tips for hosts
- Judge the exact words. “Wool socks” and “cotton socks” can get different verdicts.
- Keep a straight face. A smile after every “pack” is a hint you didn't pay for.
- Use hints wisely. A rule nobody cracks scores you nothing; one hint that saves the round is worth the point.
Tips for guessers
- Listen to every verdict, not just yours — other players' items are free clues.
- Test one idea at a time. If you suspect “food”, try a food that breaks your other theories.
- Think beyond meaning. Rules can be about spelling, the person speaking, the last item said, or even how you say it.
Playing without the app
The classic version needs nothing at all: one person thinks of a rule — traditionally double letters — and says what they're taking through the green glass door. Others join in until they work it out. The same game is also known as “I'm going on a picnic” or “Pack your bag”; need rules? Browse our secret rule ideas.
FAQ
How many players do you need for Green Glass Door?
At least 3 — one host and two guessers — and up to 12 in the app. It plays best with 4 to 8.
How long does a game take?
A round is usually a few minutes. With the default 4 rounds and a timer, a game fits in 15–30 minutes; with no timer it lasts as long as the rule holds out.
Can you play Green Glass Door without the app?
Yes. One person secretly picks a rule (the classic is double letters), and everyone else names things they'd take through the door. The app adds ready-made rules, a host screen, timers and scoring.
What happens if nobody cracks the rule?
The round ends when the timer runs out (or when the host ends it). Nobody packed means the rule was too hard, so the host scores nothing for that round.