What’s My Word? (1972) Board Game
Brief History and Background Information for What’s My Word?
What’s My Word? is a classic word deduction board game that was first released in 1972. It is designed by Joli Quentin Kansil and has been published by various companies such as Eagle-Gryphon Games, Gamut of Games, Relaxx, and Xanadu Leisure, Ltd. The game is suitable for 2 players and is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Game Components of What’s My Word?
- Game board
- 2 player screens
- 2 scoring pegs
- 2 pencils
- 2 sheets of paper
- Category cards
- Word cards
How To Setup What’s My Word?
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Each player takes a player screen, scoring peg, pencil, and sheet of paper.
- Shuffle the category cards and word cards separately.
- Each player selects a category card and places it face down in the center of the board.
- Players take turns drawing a word card and writing down a word that fits the category without revealing it to the other player.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
The objective of What’s My Word? is to guess the word that your opponent has written down based on the category provided. Players take turns asking yes or no questions to narrow down the possibilities and eventually guess the word. The first player to guess their opponent’s word wins the round.
Player Experience
Pros:
- Engaging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and deduction skills.
- Simple rules that are easy to learn and teach.
- Encourages creativity and vocabulary building.
Cons:
- Limited replay value as the game relies heavily on player creativity.
- Can be frustrating for players who struggle with word-related activities.
- Components may feel dated compared to newer word games on the market.
Personal Thoughts on What’s My Word?
What’s My Word? is a fun and challenging word deduction game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game’s simplicity and competitiveness make it a great option for family game nights or casual gatherings. While the components may not be as flashy as modern board games, the gameplay itself is timeless and offers a unique experience. Overall, What’s My Word? is worth your time if you enjoy word games and are looking for a classic option to add to your collection.
Game Components of What’s My Word?
How To Setup What’s My Word?
To set up the game, each player chooses a secret word, known as the “gameword,” without revealing it to their opponent. In the first round, players select a six-letter word, and in the second round, they choose a seven-letter word. The score sheets are prepared, and players are ready to start guessing using the provided charts to guide their guesses.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Mastermind-like guessing system
– Use of score sheets and charts to track letters
– Scoring based on letter positions (250 points for each letter in the word but not in the correct position, 1,000 points for each letter in the correct position)
– Special scoring for correctly guessing the entire word (3,000 extra points).
Player Experience
Playing What’s My Word? is an engaging and challenging experience, particularly for word game enthusiasts. The game requires players to think strategically about their guesses, using the scoring system to deduce the correct letters and their positions. It is tough to play well, as players must balance choosing a difficult-to-guess word with making effective guesses to uncover their opponent’s word.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on What’s My Word?
What’s My Word? is ideally suited for word game enthusiasts and those who enjoy strategic, mentally challenging games. It is a great option for players who appreciate games that require careful thinking and deduction. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers looking for something quick and simple, as it requires a significant amount of mental effort and strategic planning.
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.
