Poetry for Neanderthals (2020) Board Game

Poetry for Neanderthals is a humor party game created by Elan Lee, the mind behind popular games like Exploding Kittens. Released in 2020, the game is designed for 2 to 12 players, with a recommended age of 7 and up. The game combines elements of prehistoric themes with wordplay and communication limits, making for a fun and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Poetry for Neanderthals

Instruction manual

200 cards with double-sided clues (totaling 400 clues)

1 sand timer

2 game boards

Grok’s poetry journal cards

1 inflatable club (2-foot long)

Hilarious illustrations by Matthew Inman of The Oatmeal.

How To Setup Poetry for Neanderthals

To set up the game, players are divided into two teams. Each team chooses a poet and a set of guessers. The game boards and cards are distributed, and the sand timer is ready for use. The inflatable club is also prepared for those inevitable mistakes. The setup is quick and straightforward, taking about 5 minutes to learn and prepare.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Team Division: Players are split into two teams.

Single-Syllable Words: The poet can only use single-syllable words to describe the words or phrases on the cards.

Guessing: The poet’s teammates try to guess the word or phrase.

Penalty: If the poet uses a word with more than one syllable, the opposing team can bop them with the inflatable club.

Scoring: Points are awarded for correct guesses, with more difficult words and phrases worth more points.

Time Limit: A sand timer adds pressure, limiting the time for each round.

Player Experience

Playing Poetry for Neanderthals is a hilarious and engaging experience that fosters creativity and quick thinking. The restriction to single-syllable words adds a layer of challenge and humor, making it entertaining for both kids and adults. The game is perfect for family gatherings, parties, and game nights, as it encourages everyone to participate and have fun. The threat of being hit with the inflatable club adds a comedic element, making the game highly enjoyable and unpredictable.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Only 5 minutes to learn.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7 and up.

High Replayability: 400 clues on double-sided cards.

Comedic Element: The inflatable club adds a fun and unpredictable aspect.

Encourages Creativity: Players must think creatively to describe words using single-syllable words.

Portable: Compact and easy to carry.

Cons

Potential for Aggression: Younger players might enjoy hitting others with the inflatable club too much.

Stressful: The time limit and penalty can cause stress and panic for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Poetry for Neanderthals

Poetry for Neanderthals is an excellent addition to any game collection, ideal for family game nights, parties, and gatherings. It is perfect for those who enjoy word games and are looking for a fun, light-hearted experience. The game’s simplicity and comedic elements make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages. However, parents might need to monitor younger players to ensure the inflatable club is used in a playful, not aggressive, manner.

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