Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m no artist. At least, not a drawing or painting type of artist. For a time when I was a child, I thought I was, but I was disabused of this notion and have been a bit sour on the topic since. So, you’re not going to find many art-related games on my blog. However, Luck of the Draw is the exception. (So far, this is the only Gamewright game I haven’t loved, but if I weren’t so biased against drawing, I would. My family does!)
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on it and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please check our Privacy Policy and Disclaimers and Disclosures. (Unfortunately, Gamewright has discontinued Luck of the Draw, but you might be able to find it used somewhere.)
The game is composed of 210 subject cards (each with 3 subjects on them), 105 category cards, voting wheels, colored chips, and a custom (1-3) die. Our game was missing its 45-second timer (we used our phones; no big deal). It also comes with pencils and papers, but these are easy to add if you go through all of yours.
How to Play Luck of the Draw
To play, a subject card is pulled from the box and the die is rolled to determine which of the 3 possible subjects everyone will be drawing. They then have 45 seconds. All the drawings are mixed so, at least theoretically, no one knows who drew what, then a colored chip is placed on the corner of each drawing.
The die is rolled again to determine how many categories will be voted on for that round. Pull the first category card, and players use their voting wheels to vote for whichever drawing best meets the category (NOT the subject you were originally drawing for!).
My Assessment
Luck of the Draw limits you to just 45 seconds to draw a subject. As I pointed out to my daughter, this is not the time to work on your drawing skills. These are nothing more than quick sketches. But then, voting isn’t even done based on the subject. A separate, RANDOM category is pulled after everyone has finished drawing! The categories are wild: least artistic, straightest, most incomplete, most creative interpretation, and so many others. So, artistic skill isn’t required.
Due to my own prejudices, Luck of the Draw will never be my favorite game. It’s also a bit ridiculous for my family to play it. As a homeschool mom, I have been staring at my kids’ handwriting a LOT over the past 2 years. We always know exactly who did each drawing. However, a bigger group of people that you don’t know quite as well? Luck of the Draw could be fun then. (Actually, I think it’d be a blast as a drinking game, but that’s not exactly homeschooling appropriate.)
