One game, many names
What's the best Fishbowl app?
Short answer: Fishbowl is the party game where teams guess the same set of words across three rounds: describe, act out, one word. Grabbit is the app version of that game: ready-made themes or custom cards, automatic timer and scoring, and the three rounds run themselves. No slips, no bowl, just one phone.
How Fishbowl works
The classic setup: everyone writes words or names on slips of paper and drops them into a bowl (the fishbowl). In teams, you then guess the same slips across three increasingly difficult rounds: describe freely, then act out, then just one word. Because the words return every round, the game keeps getting funnier. The team with the most slips wins.
Fun detail: almost every group plays it slightly differently. Some households play describe, one word, act out; others describe, act out, one word. Grabbit uses that last order.
This game is also called Celebrities, Salad Bowl, The Hat Game
Fishbowl goes by dozens of names. In English you'll find it as Celebrities, Salad Bowl and The Hat Game, and in boxed form as Monikers or Time's Up!. In Dutch it's known as slabakken, het pannenspel and het briefjesspel. Same game, different name; each page covers the rules and quirks of that variant.
Why Grabbit is the best Fishbowl app
Direct answer: because Grabbit runs the whole game and leaves the fun to the players. Pick a theme (from Standard to Spicy 18+) or build your own cards with "Create your own"; the app handles the timer, the scoring and the three rounds. The creativity stays yours: how you describe, act out or pick that one word is up to you. For 4 or more players, in unlimited teams, in English and Dutch. Free to play, with an optional upgrade for extra themes.
FAQ
Is Fishbowl the same as Celebrities or Salad Bowl?
Yes, it's exactly the same game under a different name. You'll also hear The Hat Game, and in Dutch slabakken or het pannenspel.
How many players do you need for Fishbowl?
From 4 players, split into teams. Grabbit supports unlimited teams, so big groups can start right away.
Can you play Fishbowl without paper slips?
Yes, that's exactly what Grabbit is for: the whole game runs on one phone, including words, timer and scoring.
Does Grabbit work offline?
Yes. Once downloaded you don't need internet: all words, the timer and the scoring live in the app. Perfect for camping trips or travelling.