How to Play Emotional Intelligence – The Social Deduction Party Game

How to Play Emotional Intelligence – The Social Deduction Party Game

What Is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is a social deduction party game for 2–6 players. It's designed to spark real conversations, laughter, and surprising self-discovery — perfect for parties, friend groups, families, and team-building nights.

What's in the Box?

  • 100 This or That Question cards
  • 16 Personality cards
  • 100 pages of Deduction pad
  • 1 Question tracker
  • 5 pencils
  • 10 question markers
  • Rulebook

Game Objective

Each player receives a secret personality (think Myers-Briggs), which they have to convey to the other players. The catch — they can only provide hints in the form of This or That questions.

How to Set Up

  1. Each player gets 1 sheet of the Deduction pad, and write the other players' names in each table.
  2. Choose one person to start — they will draw a random card from the 16 Personalities deck. They are now the Hot Seat Player. They also get the 10 red selector discs.
  3. Place the Question tracker in the center of the table.
  4. Shuffle the Question deck, and give each player (not including the Hot Seat Player) 3 cards.
  5. Place the Question deck on one side of the table.

How to Play – Turn by Turn

  1. Each player chooses a This or That question to ask — he/she will place the card beneath one of the 4 categories: Energy Expression, Decision Making, Information Processing, and Temperament.
  2. The Hot Seat Player answers — by placing a question marker next to the answer believe best aligns with their personality. They cannot speak or give any facial or bodily hints.
  3. Each player asks 1-3 questions — depending on the number of players.
    1. In a 2 player game: Each player asks 8 questions.
    2. In a 3 player game: Each player asks 4 questions.
    3. In a 4 player game: Each player asks 3 questions.
    4. In a 5/6 player game: Each player asks 2 questions.
  4. Once all the questions are asked, each player writes down their guess for the Hot Seat Player's personality. They then put their pencils down.
  5. The Hot Seat Player reveals their personality, and the other players get 1 point for each correctly guessed attribute (out of 4).

    • The Hot Seat Player gets 2 points for each player that guesses all 4 attributes correct.
  1. The Hot Seat Player transfers to the next person, and repeat the entire process from How to Setup, step 2.

    Winning the Game

    After every player has taken the Hot Seat, count up your score. The player with the most points wins!

    Why It's a Great Party Game

    • Works brilliantly for groups of 4–6 — ideal for parties and gatherings.
    • Gets you thinking about topics you never knew you had opinions on!
    • Sparks conversations you wouldn't have otherwise.
    • Great as an icebreaker or a late-night game after dinner.

    Get Your Copy

    Ready to find out how well you really know the people around you? Pick up the Emotional Intelligence Card Game — a uniquely meaningful gift for adults, teens, and anyone who loves a good conversation.

    Download the Rulebook

    To really make sure you know how to play, download the rulebook and review it before game day!