Boggle
$10.99
Boggle at a Glance
| Game Type Word Game Dice | Play Time 15 mins + | Skill/Complexity (2 - 5) Word Skills Non-Complex |
| Age 8+ | Publisher(s) Hasbro | Published 1972 |
| Categories Word Game / Family | Players 2 - 8 | Rules Manual How to play Boggle Game – Rules & Instructions |
| Our Rating 8/10 | Cost $10.99 + |
About – Description
Boggle is a word game that’s been on the market since 1972. It was designed by Bill Cooke after Allan Turoff came up with this simplistic but unique word search tabletop game that uses dice to display letters.
Boggle is a two or more persons play and is labelled as suitable for children over 8 years old.
Official Boggle clubs exist for those that are more enthusiastic about playing that wish to compete in tournaments. Unlike Scrabble there are no governing bodies to over see the rules and regulations as it is just not as popular as games like Scrabble.
Who’s it best suited for?
The obvious group of gamers that Boggle attracts is anyone that loves any type of game or exercises involving words (i.e., fans of crosswords – word game shows). It certainly is one to add to the collection of word games with its own unique type of play – that’s quite different from games like Scrabble, Upwords, Bananagrams and others.
Families can also play and enjoy this game. It has an obvious educational aspect to it and can be fun for children. Shaking and rolling all the dice and the 3 minute countdown to choose words are aspects that make it fun for the younger generation – and older.
Because of Boggle’s compact size it makes a great travel companion to pass time away on route without using too much room in luggage.
Skill – Complexity
The skill is in choosing words which means a wide vocabulary is going to pay off of course. An aspect where another may win over another player is having the ability to see words on the dice quickly and thoroughly over another player even if their vocabulary is better.
It’s not fun for those lacking word skills to play with word buffs, and it is probably not much fun the the buffs either as they have no competition. An adult could help and encourage children to learn though through showing them words available rather than competing with them (let them win kind of thing).
Gameplay – How does it and did it Play Out?
It doesn’t get much simpler to set up a game than setting up Boggle. You’ll have dice to place in its box and each player needs a pen and paper, and place a 3 minute timer on the table. Job done…..
The classic Boggle game has 4 rows and 4 columns (16 in total) of dice (cubes) placed inside its box ready to shake and roll. A player shakes then rolls and the 3 minutes timer starts (it’s face paced or fastish)……
All players will try to find as many words as possible within this 3 minute period. Rules apply to how many letters, types of words, and scoring that you will find on the rules sheet provided.
The game is won when a player reaches the chosen amount (e.g., 50 or 100) of highest score which you will agree on before starting a game.
You may need to change rules around slightly or as much as you wish to keep children interested which the board game Boggle is very flexible about. Most players will find sticking to the rules gives the game a real aim and levels the field which keeps the competitive aspect of it going.
Versions – Editions
There has been a number of versions created since the release of Boggle in 1972 – including Super and Big Boggle (more dice/cubes/letters), Junior Boggle, and an electronic version.
Over the years there has been a number of new editions produced although the game remains identical. It’s more about design change than anything else.
Likes & Dislikes
The 3 minute timer is a like for some while others really dislike not having the time to find more words. The 3 min rule makes the game what it is though.
It’s hard to dislike anything as Boggle is simplistic and easy to understand before even buying a set.
Final Thoughts
The word game Boggle is simple, fast paced, fun and it also has an educational aspect. It ‘s different from other word board games such as Scrabble which makes it well worth adding to a collection of word type games.
You may have to adjust rules for younger players to keep it fun and the level of word skills between players needs to be balanced to make it fair.
See How to Play Boggle and Rules Here »
