‘Draw Something’ app tips to show off to your friends

If you aren't playing Draw Something yet, you probably will be soon, as the Pictionary-esque game has quickly become one of the most popular mobile games out there.

In a little over a month, the game for iPhone and Android has been downloaded more than 20 million times. Draw Something Free is the top free app for both the iPhone and iPad this week, and the 99-cent version is in the top 10 most downloaded list for both devices, too. It's been so successful, the game company behind it, OMGPOP, is even considering turning it into a TV show.

But you don't care about that stuff. What you care about is how to beat your friends at this game that leaves Words With Friends a distant memory. Draw Something addict Sharon Vaknin at CNET shares some of her top tips for how you can improve your chances:

Get a stylus

Even if you have the long, slender fingers of an artist, navigating your fingers around the screen of an iPhone will often leave you with something that doesn't look much like an artistic masterpiece. You can either make your own stylus as Vaknin recommends, or purchase one at a local gadget store.

Don't waste coins on new words

Difficult words can be 'bombed' if you don't want to draw them, but that'll cost you coins which you can spend on other things like new paint colours. To get new words, simply restart the app and you'll have a brand new selection.

Build your colour palette strategically

Those coins do come in handy when you're looking for more colours. A broader colour palette can help you to better convey what it is you're drawing, and you can add colours by buying them with those coins earned in-game. Each pack will run you about 40 to 125 games worth of coins, so don't make your choices lightly. Vaknin recommends the holiday package, the fall package, and the ice cream package as the most useful colour options when you're first purchasing colour packs.

Don't be a jerk: point, don't write!

If you write out words in the app, you're kind of missing the point: text is just too easy a way to convey what your meaning is in Draw Something. Use arrows to direct your teammate to what you're talking about. If it's a nose, point to the nose with an arrow, don't write something obvious like "achoo!"

For those who still don't understand what all the fuss is about, here's OMGPOP's trailer for the game that gives you an idea how it works:

(screengrab OMGPOP)