13 Words (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

13 Words is a fun and engaging word game designed by Romain Loussert. Released in 2022, this party game is suitable for 2-8 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above. The game challenges players to communicate effectively with a limited number of words, making it a great option for those who enjoy word games and cooperative gameplay.

Game Components of 13 Words

Game Board: A 12” cardboard wheel with 12 open spots for cards around its exterior.

Word Cards: 12 double-sided word cards placed around the wheel, and a 13th card placed in the center.

Voting Wheels: Each player has a voting wheel that doubles as a personal score tracker.

Over 200 Double-Sided Cards: Ensuring a high level of variability in gameplay.

How To Setup 13 Words

To set up the game, place the 12” cardboard wheel in the middle of the table. Lay out 12 double-sided word cards around the perimeter of the wheel, and place a 13th word card in the center of the board. Each player receives a voting wheel for scoring and guessing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to guess the Captain’s chosen word.

Word Association: The Captain selects a word that most closely aligns with the central word, and other players try to guess this word.

Scoring: Each player who correctly guesses the Captain’s word earns a star. The Captain also earns a star if at least one player guessed correctly.

Game Duration: The game consists of eleven rounds, with the player to the Captain’s left becoming the new Captain each round.

Winning Condition: The game ends after eleven rounds, and players tally their stars to determine the team’s success level. The best possible score is 11 times the number of players.

Player Experience

Playing **13 Words** is a fun and interactive experience that encourages teamwork and guesswork. The game is simple to learn, with rules included on the back of the box, making it accessible to a wide range of players. However, the game shines more with higher player counts, typically 7-8 players, where the dynamic of guessing and cooperation becomes more engaging.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible for all ages.

High Variability: Over 200 double-sided cards ensure a lot of life in the game.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, including grandparents and young children.

Quick Playtime: Average game duration is approximately 20 minutes.

Cons

Occasional Disconnects: Some rounds may feature words that do not clearly align, leading to guesswork rather than logical deduction.

Not as Engaging as Other Word Games: Compared to games like *Just One* or *Codenames*, it may not achieve the same level of fun and engagement.

Personal Thoughts on 13 Words

**13 Words** is an excellent choice for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. It is particularly suitable for those looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-understand game that promotes teamwork and word association skills. While it may not be as complex or engaging as some other word games, it offers a fun and laughter-filled experience, making it a great addition to any game collection. However, for those seeking more challenging or strategic word games, other options might be more appealing.

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