Can someone give me an example of how this game is played?

Pretty straight-forward ... simple, but a bit complex at the same time. From an 8-stack card formation with each top card turned face up, Player One looks over all options for their best play. They pick up any cards in making a 2-or-more letter word and spells the word on their side of the table. Player Two then starts their turn by flipping any top-cards over to return formation to 8 face-up cards, and chooses their own word to play. IN ADDITION, he/she has the option of "playing on" their opponent's word with any other cards remaining in the formation. Play-ons are done by placing one or more cards on an opponents word -- INSERTING it somewhere, or adding and REARRANGING. I.E. .... add a "c" to "loud" to make "cloud," or add "a" to "nut" to make "tuna." When a player "plays on" someone else's word, they take the newly-made word to their side of the table. So, they steal the word, which adds a fun element. A player can "play on" as many words as they can each turn (even their own), providing they make a 2-or-more letter word first. We've found the rounds can be pretty humorous as people go about playing on an opponent's words. It's fun because it's not a race and there's lots of time for conversation while playing your turn. There's videos of game play online to help anyone who would like to see an example. Just do a search for "Play on Words Game." Players alternate turns doing the above until all cards are exhausted from the formation, and then points are tallied -- 1-pt per letter in all your words played. Highest score wins round.

Is this the second edition in the plastic box?

The ones on Amazon, which are in the larger cardboard box, are the third edition. If you want the second edition in the plastic case you can order directly from David James Games on the playonwordsgame website.

How is this game different than Quiddler?

Reply from David James, Play on Words game inventor ...Both Quiddler and Play on Words are fun, award-winning games and many word game fans have chosen to own both. But in a nutshell ... Quiddler is a more of a basic, draw/discard game in forming words for points in hands graduating between 3 and 8 cards. When you've made words using all your cards, you lay them down and add up your score, and there is no interplay between opponents' words.Play on Words, meanwhile, is more high-powered, brain-teasing game. In the base version of the game (the Starter Game), players can do multiple things on their turn. From the 8 face-up cards in the formation, a player makes one 2-or-more letter word and places it face-up, before them on the table top. IN ADDITION, they can take any remaining face-up cards from the formation to "play on" any existing word(s) already played (either your opponent's or your own). Play-ons are done by inserting letters into words, or adding to and completely rearranging existing words to make a brand new word. The reward for "playing on" an opponent's word is winning that new word to your side of the table. So, it's a fun tug-of-war of words between opponents. Players can play it at a very basic, or very advanced level. With all cards face-up, everyone knows what's possible at all times, and the game lends towards a lot of conversation as players consider their options. The game can also be played in teams.Besides the "Starter Game" version, there is another popular Play on Words game version included in the instructions, called the "Full Deck" version. This game variation plays in more of a conventional format, with 8 cards dealt out to each player and the hands hidden. From there it's a lot like Scrabble, playing and "playing-on" words for optimal scoring from turn-to-turn, and at the end of each turn players replenish their hand to 8 cards. This is an all-offense style of word play, and you play through the entire 80-card deck.Each game offers a Solitaire version in their instructions.Both games have combo letter cards. Play on Words features the five most common two-letter consonant combos in the English language: CH, CK, SH, ST and TH. Quiddler, meanwhile, uses IN, ER, CL and TH.And in addition to the above, Play on Words is made in America. Quiddler is made in China.

Do you think this game would be appropriate for an addiction group?

The game is great mental exercise for anyone who enjoys words and spelling. The all-face-up style of play keeps everyone engaged and allows for a lot a conversation and humor, at times, between players. And the game is not a rush, so it is not stressful.

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Reviews

A**A

Excellent for an advanced word game lover!

I love the challenge of this game. It was a perfect buy for advanced word geeks like us. Our family (6 of us) ages are 14-44. Pros: small package to travel with cards are large enough to see letters easily across the table Cons: no timer (which really isn't a con, everyone has phones:)) I bought several word games this Christmas and this one really pulls out the word masters. I recommend players of the same "level" play together as advanced players will CRUSH players who make only small words. We enjoyed playing it the best with 3 players or less. Our family made words that were very hard to change (play on) and we ran out of cards quick with 4 players. Very good job with this, I will not be giving this game away.

29.12.2017

C**N

Great game for families with teens who maybe don't read books as much as they should...

We love the game. It was pretty easy to learn the rules and make a go of it. We have two teenage boys who are good students and who work hard at being nice. They don't read a lot of books. Even when it's part of homework it takes some effort to get them to pick up a book. Work games is our way of keeping their brains developing and expanding. This game is part of our regular rotation.

27.09.2019

C**T

Nice

Very easy ro learn and fun to play.

16.12.2024

A**C

Fun

Bought for someone because they are great with spelling. I didn't think I would like this as much as the did.

30.06.2025

M**.

Fun, Competitive and Challenging.

Play-On-Words really commands your attention. Creating new words or versions of words by adding, shifting or re-ordering the letters takes full concentration. Laying down your own words, or building on your competitors, you are continuously watching the play to see where you can build the biggest words on the table. Great fun. And highly competitive!

24.08.2020

H**.

It has been a great way to make learning fun for them

We have been using this game for a couple of weeks now at our literacy tutoring program. Our older students (4th-7th grade) have been really enjoying it! It has been a great way to make learning fun for them. Many of our students are a few grade levels behind on reading so this is a great way for them to engage with word work and expand their vocabularies. I would recommend!

21.09.2017

R**A

Good for word nerds

I don’t know why I thought this box/ game was bigger. It’s just in a playing card sized box with the cards inside. I thought it was fun. Maybe a bit overpriced for what’s basically a deck of cards. If you like word games like Bananagrams and Upwords, you’ll like it.

1.05.2022

B**D

This is a fun game for those who enjoy word games

This is a fun game for those who enjoy word games. It is easy to learn and is quick to play. Adding a timer helps when you are playing with someone who has to analyze every possibility. We just grabbed a timer from another game. I highly recommend this game!

20.04.2016

ASIN	B00D2HO1MG
Best Sellers Rank	#107,541 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #1,829 in Dedicated Deck Card Games
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (368)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	6 ounces
Item model number	SG_B00D2HO1MG_VR3
Manufacturer	David James Games
Manufacturer recommended age	8 years and up
Product Dimensions	5.75 x 1.25 x 4 inches

Card Game - Extra-Creative Word Making Fun for All Ages - A Parents' Choice Award Winner - Family/Kid-Friendly Word Game

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