Ex Libris (1991) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ex Libris is a word game that was first released in in 1991. It was designed by Sara Finch and Leslie Scott, the same team behind the popular game Jenga. The game is all about bluffing and using your knowledge of literature to outwit your opponents.

Game Components of Ex Libris

100 cards, each featuring the title, author, and plot summary of a published book or short story on one side, and the first and last sentences on the other.

Paper and writing utensils for players to write their sentences.

How To Setup Ex Libris

To set up the game, players start by selecting one player to be the “reader” for the first round. The reader draws a card and reads aloud the title, author, and plot summary of the book or short story. The other players then write down plausible first or last sentences for the book.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Literary Bluff: Players write fake but plausible opening or closing sentences to fool others into thinking they are authentic.

Voting: Players vote on which sentence they believe is the genuine first or last line.

Point System: Players earn points for each vote their fake sentence receives and for correctly identifying the authentic sentence.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points by successfully bluffing other players with your sentences or by correctly identifying the authentic sentences.

Player Experience

Ex Libris offers a unique blend of literary knowledge and creative writing, making it an entertaining and engaging game. Players must balance writing sentences that are plausible enough to convince others with the risk of being too obvious. The game encourages social interaction, as players discuss and vote on the sentences, often leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes.

Pros

Engaging and Interactive: Encourages creativity and social interaction among players.

Literary Learning: Exposes players to various books and authors.

Humorous: Often leads to comedic moments with creative and absurd sentences.

Endorsed by Libraries: Endorsed by Oxford University’s Bodleian Library and the British Library, adding a layer of credibility and educational value.

Cons

Limited Appeal: May not be as appealing to those without a strong interest in literature or writing.

Time-Consuming: Writing sentences and voting can be time-consuming, potentially dragging out the game.

Personal Thoughts on Ex Libris

Ex Libris is ideal for book lovers, writers, and those who enjoy literary challenges. It serves as a great tool for educational settings, encouraging students to explore literature in a fun and interactive way. The game is also suitable for social gatherings, providing a unique and entertaining experience that combines creativity and literary acumen. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a fast-paced or highly competitive game.

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