Trapwords (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Trapwords is a word-based party game that was released in 2018 by Czech Games Edition. It is designed by Jan Březina, Martin Hrabálek, and Michal Požárek, with artwork by Dávid Jablonovský, Filip Murmak, Régis Torres, and Michaela Zaoralová. The game falls under the categories of Exploration, Fantasy, Party Game, and Word Game, and features communication limits, a modular board, and team-based gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Trapwords

50 double-sided cards with 400 fantasy and 400 standard words

10 Monster cards

10 Curse cards

7 cardboard Room tiles

4 cardboard Books

2 cardboard Team Figures

5 cardboard Monster figures

2 cardboard Torches

3 plastic stands

One pad of Trapword list sheets

One sand timer

2 pencils

One pencil sharpener.

How To Setup Trapwords

To set up Trapwords, players divide into two teams. Each team chooses a word from randomly selected cards, but only the opposing team knows the word. The opposing team then secretly records “trapwords” – words they believe the clue-giver might use to describe the word. Once trapwords are set, each team gives the word to their respective clue-giver, who prepares for a timed round. The game board simulates a dungeon crawl, where teams progress towards a final monster to defeat.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Team Division: Players split into two teams.

Word Selection: Each team selects a word from randomly chosen cards, known only to the opposing team.

Trapwords: The opposing team sets trapwords the clue-giver must avoid.

Clue-Giving: The clue-giver has 36 seconds to describe the word without using trapwords.

Guessing: The team has five guesses to correctly identify the word.

Progression: Successful rounds move the team closer to the final monster on the board.

Curses and Monsters: Various challenges and curses can affect gameplay, adding complexity and difficulty.

Game Objective

The objective is for a team to successfully guess their word while avoiding trapwords set by the opposing team. The team that reaches and defeats the final monster on the board wins the game.

Player Experience

Trapwords offers a unique twist on traditional word-guessing games like Taboo. It involves a lot of strategy in setting trapwords and clever clue-giving under time pressure. However, the game can feel slow-paced and less interactive compared to other party games, as it focuses on secret communication between teams rather than loud, social interactions. The game includes a variety of words, curses, and monsters, which adds to its replay value.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Trapwords adds a fresh spin to word-guessing games with its dynamic trapword system.

Variety: The game includes a wide range of words, curses, and monsters, ensuring varied gameplay.

Thematic Depth: The dungeon crawl theme and various challenges keep the game engaging.

Cons

Slow Paced: The game can feel slower than other party games due to the need for secret communication.

Rules Overhead: There are more rules to remember compared to typical party games.

Difficulty: The game can be too easy in some instances, and the clue-giving process might not be as satisfying as expected.

Personal Thoughts on Trapwords

Trapwords is ideal for those who enjoy word games and are looking for a unique challenge. However, it might not be the best fit for players seeking a fast-paced, highly interactive party game. The game’s complexity and thematic elements make it suitable for families and groups of friends who enjoy strategic wordplay and a bit of dungeon crawling adventure. If you’re a fan of Codenames or Taboo, you might appreciate the additional layer of strategy Trapwords offers, but it may not replace the social excitement of other party games entirely.

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.