The object of the game is to build a word one letter at a time. The challenge
of the game is that the letters of the word are named by different players in
turn.
Here is how it works:
Player 1: G (this player is planning on building the word giant)
Player 2: A (this player is thinking of the word garage)
Player 3: B (this player is thinking of the word gable)
But, surprise! Player 3 has completed a word (gab) and this round is over.
If you wish to keep score, assign one point for each letter of a word
completed. In the above example, player 3 now has three points. This point
system can be used to reinforce skills in younger children by completing words
quickly and building points. It also encourages strategy development for older
players by attempting to build the longest word possible and to prevent your
opponents from completing words. Don't hesitate to challenge letter additions
that would lead to dead ends!
Here is how the above game could be maneuvered into a dead end:
Player 3: I (this player is thinking of the word gain)
Player 4: U (Aha! There is no word that starts gaiu!)
Player 4 would then be penalized 4 points for creating a dead end.
Not sure if a word can be built with the letters given? Test it out at
Dictionary.com
Use the wildcard symbol (*) to test for words that start with the letters given.
In our above example we would search gaiu*.
If all players are advanced, you might want to set a limit on how short a
word can be (no one-, two- or three-letter words).
