The concept behind the game is simple; however, most people find it difficult to play.
But, in this short and precise article, we will follow a step-by-step process on how to play Last Word with ease.
This game also falls in the family of board games like Scattergories and Concept.
Components
- Scoring Gameboard
- Card Stacking Gameboard
- 230 Subject Cards
- 56 Letter Cards
- 8 Colored Pawns
- Electronic Random-Interval Timer
- Instructions
Object of the Game
Your goal is to be the first player to make it to the finish on the deck board.
Number of Players: 2-8
Time: 30 Min
Age: 8+
Setup
Place the two boards within easy reach of players.
Players then choose their colored pawns and place them on the start image of the left board.
After shuffling the deck of cards, arrange them, and place them in their appropriate spots on the deck board.
Gameplay
Switch on the buzzer at the back and place next to the deck board.
Each player is given one Trade-in token and also draws one subject card from the top of the deck. The player then looks at it and keeps it hidden from the other players.
A letter is also drawn from the deck and placed face down for all to see. Players will then try to come up with words that match the letter on the card.
The player comes up with a subject, places its face up, reads it for the other players to hear, names a word that fits the category, and switches on the buzzer.
The player who came up with the word and the other players as well will then try to come up with a word that fits the letter and the category.
The last player to say a word that fits the category played at the beep of the buzzer will move his or her pawn one space ahead of the others.
New round
The player that drew the subject card will draw it again with a new letter and the procedure repeats itself again.
Jumpstart challenge
Any player can call up a jump start challenge for the other players. To do so, say the word “JUMP START” and press the timer without drawing a subject card.
Players using their current category, and letter from the previous round will then have to come up with a new word before the timer ends. If they are able, they move two spaces ahead. If not, the Jumpstart challenger moves two spaces ahead.
You can trade-in your trade-in token cards to discard your current subject card for a new one.
Rules for acceptable words
- Repeated words are not allowed.
- Only real words are allowed. So, the legitimacy of a word can be challenged.
- Words said midway when the timer buzzes are not accepted.
Dealing with difficult subject cards
You can take some pity on any player who happens to have a very difficult subject card so they can draw a new one.
Conclusion
Learning to play Last word is a simple process. Just follow the rules and you will be okay.
If you love this hobby, check our other board games here.
To buy the game for yourself on Amazon, click below.
