How to Play the MASH Game
If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you remember spending hours with your friends doodling on scraps of notebook paper, trying to figure out your “future.” The MASH game – which stands for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House – was the ultimate sleepover and school recess pastime.
Fast forward to today, and MASH is still just as much fun. Whether you’re planning a sleepover for tweens or teens, a BFF hangout, or looking for an easy icebreaker for a party, this game never fails to get everyone giggling (and sometimes blushing over their “future spouse” predictions!).
Here is exactly how to play MASH, from the basic rules to fun twists and themed versions for holidays and parties. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to host your own MASH session.
What is the MASH Game?
MASH is a classic paper-and-pencil fortune-telling game that predicts your future in a lighthearted and often hilarious way. The game “decides” things like:
- Where you’ll live (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House)
- Who you’ll marry
- What job you’ll have
- How many kids you’ll have
- What car you’ll drive
- …and so much more!
The best part? MASH is super easy. All you need is paper, a pen, and a friend or two.
It’s not about real predictions (thank goodness!), but about the fun, laughter, and silly possibilities. Half the joy of MASH is trying to come up with the wildest and weirdest answers to include.
Why MASH is Perfect for BFFs, Sleepovers, and Parties
MASH has stuck around for decades because it’s:
- Simple and low-cost: No need to buy anything.
- Interactive: Everyone gets involved by shouting out funny answers.
- Endlessly customizable: You can create themed versions for holidays, birthdays, or even road trips.
- Perfect for groups: Great for breaking the ice at parties or keeping kids entertained at a sleepover.
- Nostalgic: For adults, it’s a blast from the past that never loses its charm.
Whether it’s two friends curled up at a sleepover, a group of kids at a birthday party, or even adults reliving their childhood at a girls’ night, MASH brings people together.
What You’ll Need to Play MASH
One of the best things about MASH is that you don’t need much. Here’s all you need:
- Paper: Plain or lined paper works. You can also use printable MASH templates.
- Pen or pencil: You’ll be doing a lot of writing and crossing out.
- A friend or group: At least two players makes it more fun, but you can even play solo.
Optional but fun:
- Colorful pens or markers: Great for themed MASH games.
- Printable MASH sheets: For parties or classroom activities.
- A timer: If you want to keep the game moving during large parties.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Play MASH
Here’s a simple, detailed guide to playing MASH:
Step 1: Write MASH at the Top
Start by writing the letters MASH across the top of your paper.
- M = Mansion
- A = Apartment
- S = Shack
- H = House
These are your housing options. Every player automatically gets these choices.
Step 2: Choose Your Categories
Pick 4–6 fun categories. Some classic ones include:
- Future spouse
- Number of kids
- Job
- Car
- Pet
- City or country you’ll live in
You can make it as traditional or as wacky as you like. For a sleepover, you might include categories like:
- Celebrity crush
- Dream vacation
- How much money you’ll have
- Your future best friend or nemesis
Tip: At parties, it’s fun to let everyone in the group suggest a category. The sillier, the better!
Step 3: Fill in the Options
For each category, write down 3–4 possible answers. This is where the fun really begins.
Encourage players to get creative:
- Future spouse: Taylor Swift, the cute neighbor, the school math teacher (for laughs!)
- Job: Astronaut, YouTuber, dog walker, zookeeper
- Car: Pink convertible, tractor, skateboard, limo
- Pet: Pet rock, three cats, a dragon, hamster
You can mix realistic choices with totally outrageous ones. The more variety, the funnier the results.
Step 4: Choose the Magic Number
Have one player draw a spiral or a series of tally marks on a separate piece of paper while another player says “stop.” Count the number of lines or loops.
This random number becomes the magic number you’ll use to eliminate options.
Step 5: Start the Elimination Process
Now the real game begins!
- Starting with the letter M in MASH, count each option (across all categories) out loud until you reach your magic number.
- Cross out whichever option you land on.
- Continue counting with the next available option, skipping over the crossed-out ones, until each category has just one option left.
Step 6: Reveal Your Future
Once each category has a single remaining option, read them out loud in order.
Prepare for lots of laughter when your “future” says you’ll live in a shack, married to your crush, with a pet dragon, working as a TikTok influencer in Antarctica!
Fun Variations of the MASH Game
The best thing about MASH is how easy it is to tweak for different themes. Here are some fun variations to try:
1. BFF MASH
Perfect for friends at a sleepover. Include categories like:
- Your future bestie’s name
- A secret talent you’ll have
- The city where you and your BFF will live
- Your friendship symbol (bracelet, necklace, tattoo)
2. Birthday Party MASH
Make the birthday kid the star. Include:
- What type of birthday cake you’ll have
- Dream birthday gift
- Birthday party theme
- Birthday outfit
- Special birthday guest (real or imaginary!)
3. Holiday MASH
For Christmas sleepovers or parties:
- Gift you’ll receive
- Holiday dessert
- Who you’ll kiss under the mistletoe
- Where you’ll spend Christmas
For Halloween:
- Costume
- Haunted house
- Candy supply
- Creepy companion (zombie, vampire, ghost)
4. School MASH
For classroom fun:
- Favorite subject
- Future lunch menu
- Teacher you’ll have forever
- After-school activity
5. Travel MASH
Perfect for road trips or summer parties:
- Dream vacation destination
- Travel buddy
- Mode of transport (camel, cruise ship, private jet)
- Souvenir you’ll bring home
Tips for Hosting a MASH Game at a Party
- Set up a MASH station: Have a table with pencils, pens, and pre-printed sheets.
- Make it a tournament: See whose “futures” turn out the funniest.
- Encourage silly answers: The game is way more fun when options are outrageous.
- Include prizes: Little goodies like stickers or candy for the funniest or most unexpected future.
- Add music: A fun playlist can make the vibe even better.
Why Kids (and Adults!) Still Love MASH
Even in the era of smartphones and online quizzes, there’s something special about the simplicity and nostalgia of MASH.
It’s a game that is a reminder that sometimes the best party games don’t require screens or fancy setups, just a piece of paper and a good imagination.
The MASH game is a timeless classic that’s easy to play, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring laughter to any sleepover, party, or rainy afternoon with friends.
So grab some paper, a pen, and your besties, and start playing. Who knows, you might just discover your hilarious “future” as a millionaire pop star living in a mansion with 10 pet hamsters!
