Free party game for one phone
Paranoia Party Game
Paranoia is a whisper party game for 3 or more friends. One player reads a secret question about the group, like "Who here would read their partner's texts?", and answers by saying someone's name out loud. Then a coin flip decides whether everyone hears the question or it stays secret forever. CardYard runs the whole game on one phone: secret questions, a fair coin and a cover screen between turns, free and with no download.
How to play Paranoia
- Sit in a circle and add 3 to 12 names in seating order. Pick a theme: Classic, Juicy, Funny, Friends, Clean, Couples or Deep.
- Pass the phone to the first asker while everyone else looks away. They tap their name to see a secret question.
- The asker taps the player who fits best and says that name out loud, and only the name. Swap the question if it doesn't fit your group.
- The named player flips the coin on screen. Heads: the question is shown to everyone. Tails: it is burned, and only the asker ever knows what was asked.
- Pass the phone to the next player in the circle. When everyone has asked once, the round is done and you see who was named most.
Paranoia game questions
Every round in the game writes fresh questions for your theme. Here are some to show the style: always about someone in the room, answered with one name, and funniest when the secret is the joke.
Classic
- Who here would survive the longest without their phone?
- Who here would be the first to read a group chat and not reply?
- Who here would you call to help you hide a surprise party?
- Who here would show up to a wedding underdressed?
- Who here would accidentally reply-all to the whole company?
- Who in this room has the most chaotic camera roll?
- Who here would be famous on the internet for the wrong reason?
- Who here would eat food off the floor at a party?
- Who in this room would win an argument they are clearly wrong about?
Juicy
- Who here has a crush on someone in this room right now?
- Who here would you least trust with your phone unlocked?
- Who here would date someone just for their dog?
- Who here has said "I love you" first and regretted it?
- Who here would read their partner's texts while they sleep?
- Who here would you never tell a secret to?
Funny
- Who here would lose a fight with a goose?
- Who here would bring a spreadsheet to a picnic?
- Who here talks to their pets in a baby voice?
- Who here would accidentally call their teacher "mom"?
- Who here would fake being sick to skip a party, then post at another one?
For friends
- Who here would you call first if you got arrested for something silly?
- Who in this room knows your worst secret?
- Who here would drop everything to help you move?
- Who here always says "five minutes away" and is still at home?
Clean, for teens and family
- Who here would win a staring contest?
- Who here would be the best teacher?
- Who here would eat the last slice without asking?
Couples and deep
- Which couple here would win a reality dating show?
- Who here steals the blanket every night?
- Who here would you trust with your life?
Paranoia drinking game rules
In the drinking version, there is no coin. The named player decides: take a drink to hear the question, or let it go and stay paranoid. In CardYard, turn on Forfeit to know in Settings and the named player chooses between taking a forfeit to see the question or letting it go. Agree on the forfeit before you start, and keep it optional.
How to play Paranoia without drinking
The coin flip is the classic no-drinking rule and it is the default here. The forfeit can be a dare the group picks instead of a drink, which works for teens, family nights and anyone who isn't drinking.
Play Paranoia online with friends
Paranoia works best in the same room, because the fun is watching someone's face after they hear their name. This version runs on one phone passed around the circle, so nobody needs to install anything. Between turns the screen shows only whose turn it is, so nobody can read the last question over a shoulder.
Paranoia FAQ
What is the Paranoia game?
Paranoia is a party game where one player secretly reads a "who here" question, says the name of the person who fits, and a coin flip decides whether the group hears the question. The name is public; the reason stays secret unless the coin lands heads.
How many players do you need?
At least 3, and up to 12 on one phone. You can also play without entering names.
What happens on tails?
The question is burned. It disappears from the screen and is never shown again, so only the asker knows why that name was said.
Can teens play Paranoia?
Yes. The Clean theme keeps questions to school, games, food and harmless habits, with no dating or drinking. The Spicy 18+ theme is for adults only and asks for an age check.
Is it free?
Yes. You can play rounds in your browser for free with no download or account. CardYard Premium adds unlimited rounds and the Spicy 18+ theme.
What are good questions for Paranoia?
Good Paranoia questions are about someone in the room, answered with one name, and embarrassing without being cruel, like "Who here would survive the longest without their phone?" or "Who here would read their partner's texts?". Avoid questions about looks, health or real insecurities.