Master Word (2020) Board Game

Master Word is a word-based deduction party game designed by Gérald Cattiaux and published by Scorpion Masqué in in 2020. This game challenges players to work together to decipher a secret word through a series of clues and guesses. With its unique gameplay mechanics and cooperative elements, Master Word offers a fresh twist on traditional word games.

Game Components of Master Word

Master Word Cards: 300 cards with a hint/category on one side and the master word on the other, numbered from 1 to 300 for varying difficulty levels.

Clue Cards: Whiteboard cards for each Seeker to write clues.

Solution Cards: Three red cards for submitting final guesses.

Tokens: “Thumbs up” tokens for indicating helpful clues.

Dry-erase pens and a felt eraser: For writing and erasing clues on the cards.

How To Setup Master Word

To set up the game, players first choose one player to be the Guide, who secretly looks at the master word on the Master Word Card. The Guide then reads out the hint/category to the Seekers. Each Seeker receives six Clue Cards and a red marker. The three Solution Cards and tokens are placed nearby. The game is structured to keep the master word hidden from the Seekers while providing a general hint for all players to see.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The Seekers must cooperatively deduce the master word within 7 rounds.

Gameplay Phases:

Seeker Phase: Seekers discuss and write clues on their Clue Cards within a 90-second time limit.

Guide Phase: The Guide indicates how many clues are helpful by placing tokens.

Joker Mechanic: The Guide can move a token to a specific Clue Card once per game to emphasize a particularly good clue.

Guessing: Seekers can submit a final guess on a Solution Card instead of a Clue Card. If correct, everyone wins immediately.

Failure Conditions: If an incorrect guess is made on a Solution Card, it is treated as a regular clue. The game ends in defeat if the master word is not guessed within 7 rounds or if a Seeker writes the master word on a Clue Card instead of a Solution Card.

Player Experience

**Master Word** encourages collaborative effort and strategic thinking among players. The game is designed to be played both in person and online, making it versatile for different play settings. Players appreciate the interactive discussions and the challenge of narrowing down the possibilities based on the clues provided by the Guide. The time limit adds a layer of urgency, although some players prefer to remove this to allow for more deliberate discussions.

Pros

Cooperative Nature: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Versatile Play: Can be played both in person and online.

Interactive Discussions: Fosters engaging and strategic conversations among players.

Well-Designed Components: Includes useful features like the felt eraser and separate storage for unspoiled word cards.

Cons

Time Pressure: The 90-second timer can be stressful for some players.

Limited Solution Attempts: Only three Solution Cards are available for the entire game.

Potential for Frustration: The Guide’s role can sometimes feel less engaging compared to other clue-giving games.

Personal Thoughts on Master Word

**Master Word** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy word-based puzzles. It is particularly suited for groups of 3 to 6 players who appreciate deductive reasoning and collaborative problem-solving. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer competitive games or those who struggle with time pressure, it offers a unique and engaging experience for those looking to enhance their teamwork and deductive skills.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.