 |
|
|
|
|
OBJECT: To list, within 3 minutes, as many words of the highest point value as you can find among the random assortment of letters in the cube grid. . PREPARATION: Drop the letter cubes into the dome and place the grid, open side down, over the dome. Turn the domed grid right-side up, vigorously shaking the cubes around, and maneuver the grid until each cube falls in place. Then, as one player removes the dome, another player starts the timer. . PLAYING: When the timer starts, each player searches the assortment of letters for words of 4 letters or more. When you find a word, write it down. . Words are formed from adjoining letters. Letters must join in the proper sequence to spell a word. They may be joined horizontally, vertically or diagonally to the left, right or up-and-down. No letter cube, however, may be used more than once within a single word.  . . SCORING & WINNING: When the timer runs out, everyone must stop writing. Each player in turn then reads aloud his or her list of words. Any word that appears on more than one player's list must be crossed off all the lists, including that of the reader. . After all players have read their lists, each player scores his or her remaining words in the following manner: . 4 letter words = 1 point 5 letter words = 2 points 6 letter words = 3 points 7 letter words = 5 points 8 or more letter words = 11 points . The winner is (a) the player whose words have earned the most points or (b) the first to reach 50 points, 100 points or whatever score is considered by all to be a reasonable target. . THINGS TO REMEMBER: + Neither the cubes nor the grid may be touched while the timer is running + Multiple meanings of the same word do not earn multiple credit. The word "liner", for example, can mean "a line drive", "a protective inner covering" or "an ocean-going vessel", yet it may count as only one word. + The same word found by a player in different areas of the grid may not be counted for multiple credits. + The "Qu" cube counts as two letters. + Both the "M" and "W" have a line under them. + The letter "Z" also has a line under it and should not be used as the letter "N". + Full credit is awarded for both the singular and plural forms of a noun --- but only if the player has listed them as separate words. + Common words tend to be found by more players. Therefore, if your words are unique and unusual, they are more likely to earn you points. . OPTIONAL GAME PLAY: Advanced Play: Each player must look only for words of 5 letters or more. . Handicap Play: While older or more experienced players look for words of 4 letters or more, younger or less experienced players look for words of only 3 letters or more. (Score 1 point for each 3 letter word) . Team Play: Each player on a team writes down his or her own words. If teammates find the same word --- a word that is not found by the opposition --- only one team member crosses it off. The winning team is the one with the most points. . If the players aren't of equal ability or experience, try matching a team of average/average players against a team of advanced/beginner players. Or pit a team of younger or less experienced players against one player who is older or more experienced. |
|
