Overview
If you are good with forming words from letter sets, then you will find Boggle very interesting. The game involves players creating words from a random assortment of letters within a three-minute duration. The game has simple rules that make it easy to learn and play. It is suitable for players aged 8 and above and can accommodate as many players as possible but at least 2 players must be involved for a game of Boggle to be played. To excel in this game, players have to be able to think fast and be creative.
Objective
The objective is to score the highest point total by forming words from a random assortment of letters.
Boggle Game Rules
Only words with three or more letters can be formed.
The letters used for forming a word must touch each other vertically, horizontally, or diagonally (as seen in the grid).
A letter can only be used once in a word but the same letter can be used multiple times to form different words.
Words that are found in a standard English dictionary are allowed except for proper nouns.
Abbreviations and contractions are not allowed, likewise words borrowed from languages other than English.
Plural forms of words are allowed and count as separate words.
Spelling variation of the same word count as individual words. A player can write both spellings to earn more points.
Once the timer runs out, all the players must stop writing.
Points are awarded only for words that no other player formed so players must cross out any words they have in common with any other player.
Number of Players Needed
Minimum of 2 players but no limit to the number of players that can be involved in a game of Boggle.
Equipment
- 16 letter dice
- Cube grid with dome-cover
- A 3-minute sand timer/Watch/Digital timer set to three minutes
- Paper
- Pencil
Setting Up
It’s quite easy to set up a game of Boggle. First, put all the letter cubes in the cube grid and cover the grid with the dome-shaped cover. After this, hand a pen and paper to each player. Pick the covered cube grid and scramble the cubes inside by turning the grid upside down and shaking it. Thoroughly mix the cubes and when you are satisfied, turn the covered grid right-side-up and shake gently until all of the cubes fall into place. When you are ready to start the game, remove the dome-cover from the cube grid and start the timer simultaneously.
How to Play Boggle
Once the timer starts counting down, players begin to form words with the letters scrambled inside the grid. Each player writes their formed words on the paper given to them earlier. Players are not allowed to communicate while the game is going on and every player must ensure their paper is not visible to their opponents.
When forming words, there are a few rules that players must adhere to. Words formed must be at least three letters long. The letters used for forming a word must touch each other vertically, horizontally, or diagonally (as seen in the grid). This means that the letters must be able to connect in the proper sequence to spell the word correctly.
Players cannot use the same letter twice in the same word. This means that a letter cube can only be used once to form a word. However, players can use the same letter multiple times in separate words. Words can be formed in all directions, including backwards.
Any word that is found in a standard English dictionary is allowed, so far it is not a proper noun (i.e. names of people, places, animals etc. are not allowed). Abbreviations and contractions are not allowed, likewise words borrowed from languages other than English. Plural forms of words are allowed and count as separate words. A smart strategy for playing Boggle is to take advantage of plurals. Spelling variation of the same word count as individual words. A player can write both spellings to earn more points.
Once the timer runs out, all the players must stop writing. Players take turns to read out the words they have written. If there are words that you have written that one or more other players have also, cross them out. Points are awarded only for words that no other player formed. After every player has crossed out matching words on their paper, the remaining words will be scored. To score a word, count the number of letters in it. The length of a word determines how much point the word is worth.
Boggle Scoring Rules
Each three-letter word = 1 point
Each four-letter word = 1 point
Each five-letters word = 2 points
Each six-letter word = 3 points
Each seven-letters word = 5 points
Each word with 8 or more letters = 11 points
The “Qu” cube counts as two letters although it only takes up one space in the grid.
Winning the Game
After the words have been scored, each player calculates the total points they got. The player with the most points wins. Alternatively, players may decide to set a target score before the game begins. For example, a target score of 50 or 100 points may be set. This means the game will be played in multiple rounds and the first player to reach the target score will be declared the winner.