Strategy · Trust & communication
Red–Blue Game
Teams choose red or blue over several rounds; scores depend on what other teams choose. Few groups maximise the total score.
Quick answer
How do you run Red–Blue Game with a team?
Teams choose red or blue over several rounds; scores depend on what other teams choose. Few groups maximise the total score. Duration: 45 minutes. Group size: 8–80 people. Setting: Indoor. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Group size
- 8–80 people
- Setting
- Indoor
- Energy level
- Active
- Materials
- Score sheet and payoff table, Red and blue cards per team, Separate tables for 4 teams
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
Objective
Explore trust, competition and win–win thinking between departments.
Materials
- Score sheet and payoff table
- Red and blue cards per team
- Separate tables for 4 teams
Step by step
- Explain the goal: "Get the highest score you can." Do not say whether that means your team or everyone.
- Each round teams choose red or blue in secret; reveal together and score using the payoff table.
- After rounds 4 and 8, allow a short meeting between team representatives.
- Play 10 rounds; later rounds count double.
- Debrief: who did "you" mean? What would cooperation have scored?
Facilitator tips
- Stay neutral: never hint at the cooperative solution.
- Allow enough time for the debrief, often the most valuable part.
Variations
- Played online with breakout rooms and a shared score sheet.
Accessibility
Seated and discussion-based. Competitive moments can become heated; the facilitator keeps the tone friendly.
