Dictionary Dabble (1986)

About this game

Given that Balderdash came out right around the same time, this may be a case of simultaneous invention (or in this case, simultaneously deciding to commercialize a folk game). Dictionary Dabble is played exactly like Balderdash (players make up definitions to words and try to guess the real one). The scoring is a little different. In addition to scoring a point for guessing the correct definition and a point for each person who votes for your contrived definition, you also can score a bonus point if your pawn is on a space that matches the symbol on the word card that is drawn (provided you guess the correct definition). One thing it has going for it over Balderdash: the movers are little miniature "Thinker" sculptures!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 4 to 14.
• Rules load. At 1.3/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.