Ad-Lib Crossword Cubes (1963)

About this game

Published by E.S. Lowe in 1963, this word dice game may be played individually or in partnership. Included are 13 letter and value cubes, a cup to throw them, and a timer. The player throws the cubes and tries to form words in crossword or Scrabble fashion as quickly as possible. Jokers appear on two of the cube faces. The challenge is that all words must be connected. Each letter has a point value, and the summed value of those used is the positive score while points are deducted for those unused. Letters used in more than one word are counted for each word. Other known editions are 1973 and 1975, which were published under the label "E.S. Lowe, A Milton Bradley Company".

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 1.0/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.