How to Play the Red Door, Yellow Door Game

The game known as 'Red Door, Yellow Door' – also referred to by other names like 'Black Door, White Door' or 'The Door of Consciousness' – is a mysterious and intriguing game you might have seen trending on TikTok. It's often played at sleepovers to entertain guests. This game explores the subconscious mind of the player while in a trance-like state. We'll guide you through the entire mystical ritual. All you'll need is two brave participants, and you'll be ready to step through the doors that appear in your mind.

Select one person to be the main player, and the other will take on the role of the guide. The 'Red Door, Yellow Door' game consists of two players: one who will be hypnotized, and the other who will act as the guide. If there are additional people present, they must remain silent and only observe throughout the game.

Sit on the floor and place a pillow on your lap if you're the guide. As the guide, your job is to make the player feel at ease and relaxed. You will sit cross-legged on the floor and place a pillow or blanket on your lap for the player to rest their head on.

Lie down and rest your head on the guide's lap if you're the player. Lie on your back and rest your head on the guide's lap, closing your eyes. Raise both hands high and keep them there as you begin to unwind.

• If you're the player, you will keep your eyes closed throughout the game.

Massage the player's temples and begin chanting the incantation if you're the guide. Gently rub the player's temples with your fingers in a circular motion and start repeating the chant 'Red door, yellow door, any other color door' to induce the trance. It may take several minutes for the player to begin visualizing corridors and doors.

• If there are others watching, they may chant along as well.

Tell the player to lower their hands once they visualize the doors in their mind, if you're the guide. The player may naturally fall into a trance and gradually lower their hands as they start to see the corridors and doors more clearly. When their hands touch the floor, the game officially begins.

• If desired, you can set a timer for 10 minutes from when the player's hands touch the floor to track the time. It's best not to keep the player in an unconscious state for too long.

Guide the player through the house in their mind by asking what they see. As the guide, you will lead the player through various rooms by asking questions and giving instructions. You can start with a question like, 'Tell me what you see.' It’s important to stay focused and serious in your role so both of you can make the most of the game.

• Listen carefully to what the player says so you can come up with more questions and commands.

Ask the player to describe what they see in each room or hallway. Try to prompt the player to describe and interpret what they observe around them. You can ask questions like, 'Can you describe the room?' or 'How do you feel about the purple door?' Keep asking specific questions to get a clearer image of their experience.

• You might ask, 'Do you see any doors you'd like to go through?' or 'Is anyone else in the room with you?'
• If the player mentions seeing many locks, instruct them to leave that area, as locked doors are seen as a way to trap the player.

Instruct the player to enter a room if they feel positive about it. If the player sees a door they want to pass through, tell them to go ahead. They can also move toward something that feels pleasant to them.

• For example, you could say, 'Open the blue door and enter the room.'
• Tell them to avoid opening doors that feel unsettling and not to approach things that cause fear or anxiety.

Encourage the player to answer all questions truthfully. If the player doesn't respond to the guide’s questions or fails to provide detailed descriptions, you won't know what they are experiencing. You must ask questions in a way that ensures the player answers each one to help them navigate through the various halls and doors.

• There’s no clear end to this game, so keep asking questions until you decide to stop. The purpose here is simply to enjoy hearing the player describe what they’re going through in their mind.

Avoid interacting with people you see in the room. If you open a door and enter a room with one or more people in it, do not talk or interact with them in any way. Since you do not know their intentions, it's best to ignore them and look for a more positive experience.

• It is believed that some of these individuals may have bad intentions or could be trying to deceive the player.

Avoid rooms filled with locks. If you enter a room with many locks and describe what you see, the guide will immediately tell you to leave. Locks are considered tools to trap players in the room, preventing them from escaping.

Go up instead of down in the house. Although you can go anywhere in the house, it’s better to go upstairs rather than downstairs. For example, if you see a staircase leading to the upper floor, you can go up, but going down to the basement might lead to a negative experience.

Head toward lighter colors instead of dark ones. Lighter or brighter colors are often described as safer than darker ones. For example, if you're torn between a yellow door and a brown one, it’s best to go through the yellow door.

• Windows, lights, and bright-colored walls are considered to bring more positive experiences compared to darker rooms.

Try to wake up if you feel trapped in a room. If you enter a room and find yourself trapped — perhaps the door has disappeared or you can’t find the exit — try to wake yourself up. It is said that if you don't awaken to escape, you may be trapped forever in an unconscious state.

• You can also inform the guide that you're stuck in the room, and they can help awaken you.

End the game if you see a man in a suit, as this person is believed to be a dangerous force. Pay attention to what people wear or carry (if anyone is in the room). If you see a man in a suit and feel uneasy or anxious upon seeing him, this is a sign that you should end the game here.

• If the player has difficulty waking up from the trance, the guide may need to shake the player to awaken them.