Spelinfo
January 2002
Frank Wils
The Netherlands

MyWord!
Publisher: Out of the Box Games
Language: English
Author: Reiner Knizia
Players: 2-6
Play Length: about 10 minutes per player
Ages: 12+
Price: $9.95

Design
MyWord comes in a small green box (15x10 cm) and contains 56 cards. 39 of which contain 1 letter, 14 contain 2 letters and there are 3 wild cards. The box also contains a small rule booklet. Just as usual with OTB games, the production is sturdy and fit for travelling.

The Rules
Just as usual with games from Out of the Box- games, the rules are short and to the point. OTB games can always be played within 10 minutes without many rules, exceptions and simply pickup and go. MyWord is no exception. All rules fit precisely on 4 pages.

The Game Itself
MyWord is a cross between Blink! and a word search. One player is the leader, he shuffles the cards and lays then one by one face up on the table. As soon as one of the other players sees a word that can be made with the letters (a minimum of 3), he yells out that word. The play leader decides if it is a real word, or who yelled it out first. When all of the letters are gone or no more words can be made, the round ends. The players note their scores (1 point per card) and the next player becomes the play leader. The game is finished as soon as each player has been play leader once.

In a game with 2 players, the play leader may also yell out and make words. This could also be done with more players playing.

Summary

Plus points

• Quick to learn
• Sturdy production
• Everyone is involved
• Educational for younger player

Minus points

An important minus point for the Dutch market is that the game is in English and that means that in the 13 2-letter blend cards, these sounds are barely used in Dutch, for example, sh. With players who speak English well, you could naturally play looking for Dutch and English words. Especially fit for puzzle enthusiasts.

Overall Impression
MyWord is a fun game for, for example, a birthday party with less-seasoned gamers. For real word gamers, it is a bit on the tame side. Puzzle enthusiasts and first-time gamers, may appreciate this game more. It is also good for playing with children who must learn English. A less language dependent version is also available, MyWord Junior. This version only contains single letter cards. MyWord is definitely the appropriate game, if it is played at just the right time and with just the right people at the table.

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