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Dictionary Dabble (1986) Board Game

ByMichail

Dictionary Dabble is a word game that was released in 1986 by Alna and Patch Products. The game is designed for 4-14 players and is categorized as a bluffing, party game, and word game. With a runtime of 60 minutes, it is suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Game Components of Dictionary Dabble

  • Game board**
  • Word cards** with 1,200 obscure words
  • Definition cards** for players to write their definitions
  • Scoreboard and scoring system**
  • Player tokens and markers**

    How To Setup Dictionary Dabble

    To set up the game, each player selects a token and places it on the starting space on the board. The word cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of all players. Each player receives a set of definition cards. The scoreboard is prepared to track points.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics: Players take turns drawing word cards and writing down definitions for the word, either real or fabricated.
  • Objective: The goal is to guess the real definition while also convincing others that your fabricated definition is the correct one.
  • Scoring: Points are awarded for correctly identifying the real definition and for convincing other players that your definition is real.
  • Player Interaction: Players vote on which definitions they believe are correct, adding a social deduction element.

    Player Experience

    Playing Dictionary Dabble is an engaging and entertaining experience that combines creativity, strategy, and social interaction. Players must balance between crafting believable definitions and discerning the real ones, making it a fun and intellectually stimulating game. The game encourages players to think creatively and can lead to hilarious moments as players try to outwit each other.

    Pros

  • Encourages Creativity: Players must think creatively to come up with believable definitions.
  • Social Interaction: The voting mechanism involves all players, making it a highly interactive game.
  • Intellectual Challenge: It requires a mix of vocabulary knowledge and strategic thinking.
  • Funny Moments: The game often leads to amusing and unexpected definitions.

    Cons

  • Lengthy Games: Games can sometimes drag on as players take time to write and read definitions.
  • Dependence on Vocabulary: Players with a stronger vocabulary may have an advantage.
  • Potential for Dominance: Some players might consistently come up with more believable definitions, affecting the game’s balance.

    Personal Thoughts on Dictionary Dabble

    Dictionary Dabble is ideal for groups of friends or family who enjoy word games, creative writing, or social deduction games. It’s particularly suited for players aged 12 and above, given its complexity and the need for a decent vocabulary. The game is a great way to enhance creative writing skills, vocabulary, and critical thinking while providing an enjoyable and laugh-filled gaming experience. If you enjoy games like Balderdash or Fictionary, Dictionary Dabble is definitely worth a try.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl