Palabra (1990)

About this game

From the back of the box: THE GAME IN A NUTSHELL Cards with color-coded letters create crafty new ways to score. Make words from cards of mixed colors From cards all the same color (scores double) With "straights" of three or more consecutive letters With starred cards that double or triple the value of words With "flushes" (five or more cards all the same color, no word necessary) By "building" on words played by opponents In other shrewd and wily ways Get help from three wild cards that can be substituted for any letter or any color Zap your opponent's big score with point-canceling "killer-card" (Joker) Game ends when all cards are used. Highest total score wins.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 2.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.