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

A deck of cards with famous first lines from books

Scoring sheets

Pencils

Rulebook

How To Setup Ex Libris

Shuffle the deck of cards and deal a set number to each player.

Each player then selects a card from their hand to read aloud as the first line of a book.

Players take turns trying to guess which player actually wrote the first line they read.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The objective of Ex Libris is to bluff your opponents into thinking that the first line you read aloud is actually from a famous book. Players can use their knowledge of literature to outsmart their opponents and earn points.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay that encourages creativity and quick thinking

Fun for players of all ages and literary knowledge levels

Easy to learn and play, making it a great party game

Cons:

Limited replay value as the game relies heavily on the same deck of cards

Some players may find the bluffing mechanic to be too simplistic

Not suitable for players who are not well-versed in literature

Personal Thoughts on Ex Libris

Ex Libris is a unique and entertaining word game that is perfect for book lovers and fans of literary trivia. While it may not have the same longevity as some other games, it is a fun and educational way to spend an evening with friends. The build quality of the game is decent, and it is reasonably priced for what you get. However, availability may be limited for this older game. If you enjoy word games and have a love of literature, Ex Libris is definitely worth your time. It is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and creativity in their games. Players who are not fans of literature may want to skip this one in favor of a different party game. Alternatives to Ex Libris include Codenames and Dixit, which offer similar gameplay mechanics with different themes.

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