How toStart Yarning
Whether you're looking for a quick connection or a deep dive, here's everything you need to get the conversation flowing.
How to Play
Bring the whole mob together.
Gather your people, whether that's the whole family or just the two of you. Yarning works one on one across a coffee table or around a dinner party. Find a spot, get comfortable, and settle in. Every yarn starts somewhere.
Shuffle the deck.
Grab your deck and give it a good shuffle. No peeking. Half the fun is not knowing what's coming next. But remember, you're the boss, not the cards. If a question doesn't feel right, pass it and draw another. No explanation needed.
Draw and share.
Pull a card and read it out loud. Take a moment to think, then share your answer. Let it breathe. Others can ask questions, share their own take, or let the conversation wander. When you're ready, pass the deck to the next person.
You're yarning.
That's it. You're yarning. Keep going as long as the conversation flows. There's no score, no finish line, no winner. Just good talk and the stories that come with it.
Know Your Cards
Each card type creates a different kind of connection. Here's what to expect.
What's your comfort movie, game, or ritual?
YOU
Personal questions about yourself
What's a topic they can talk about for hours?
THEM
Questions about another player
A trip or adventure that became an inside joke.
MEMORIES
Shared experiences and stories
What's something you've learned about yourself recently?
REFLECTION
Deeper introspective questions
Intensity Levels
The dots at the bottom show how deep the question goes.
What's a skill you'd love to master?
Light
Easy conversation starters to warm up
What's a skill you'd love to master?
Medium
Going a bit deeper, more personal
What's a skill you'd love to master?
Deep
Vulnerable questions that build intimacy
House Rules + Safety
To ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing, we recommend agreeing to these guidelines before you start.
Keep It Kind
Listen to understand, not to respond. Yarning is about connection, not debate. When someone shares, resist the urge to jump in with your own story or offer solutions—just be present. Validate each other's feelings, ask follow-up questions with genuine curiosity, and keep the space judgment-free. What's shared in a Yarning session stays there.
Passing
You always have the right to pass. If a card hits too close to home, touches on something you're not ready to discuss, or you just don't feel like sharing in the moment, simply place it at the bottom of the deck and draw a new one. No explanations needed, no questions asked. This isn't about avoiding vulnerability—it's about respecting everyone's boundaries and timing.
Lighter / Deeper
Adjust the vibe by curating your deck before you start. Take out the purple cards if you want to keep things light and playful—perfect for first-time players or casual gatherings. For deeper conversations, keep all colors in or focus on just one category that feels right for your group. You're in control of how intimate the session becomes.
'Them' Cards
You can decide as a group how to play 'THEM' cards. These are questions directed at another player, creating opportunities for others to share their perspective on you. Options include: going around in a circle so everyone gets a turn, selecting a specific person the question feels right for, or randomizing it for spontaneous fun. Agree on your approach before you start, but feel free to mix it up as you play.
Other Ways to Play
The Ladder
Sort the deck by category intensity before you start. Begin with 'MEMORIES' (Blue) to break the ice, move to 'YOU' (Red), then 'THEM' (Green), and finish with 'REFLECTION' (Purple) for deep talks.
Pairs
Perfect for date night or close friends. Place the deck in the middle. Take turns drawing. You both answer every card. If you draw a 'THEM' card, answer it about your partner.
The Interview
One person sits in the "Hot Seat" for 5 minutes (or 5 cards). The rest of the group draws cards and asks them the questions. Rotate the hot seat until everyone has had a turn.
Ready togo deeper?
Get the full deck of 118 questions in a deluxe magnetic folding box and start yarning today.