Balderdash! ," Who Do You Think You're Kiddin'?"
Written: Jan 11 '05 (Updated Jan 15 '05)
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Pros: Easy to learn and to play.
Cons: It's sometimes painful when laughing.
The Bottom Line: A fine and fun game that is easy to play and not all that intimidating.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Balderdash |
In the field of board games, some are more interesting than others and some take on a bit more mental exercise and expression. This is one of those games yet it, at the same time, is not intimidating and most people, including different age groups, can play on a relatively level playing field. More on that in a bit.
Back in the sixties when my wife and I were first married we played a game we called fictionary. This was simply a game where we took turns finding a word in the dictionary that we felt no other person knew the meaning of. Everyone would listen to the word, find out its spelling and then submit their own faked definition of the word. The person who first found the word would read everybody's definition, including the real one, and all would chose what they felt was the correct definition. We gave points to those who got the correct definition, those who fooled others and to the person who found the word if they fooled everybody. This was easy to play.
The fun in the game is listening to the made up definitions. Some are hilarious and yet may still be the true meaning. We would spend hours playing this game.
The Board Game
Much to my surprise I found out in later years that this simple to play parlor game was made into a board game. I can name two other games that we used to play before "Official" games came out. Now why didn't I try and market these games myself?
The game comes in a box that is marked "Ages 10 and Up". I believe that is a good age range that works fairly well. The truth is that some of the ten - twelve year olds may not have the capabilities to write a definition on the same par as a more mature person. They would however do well playing against others in the same age group. It's my feeling that the game is good for mature thirteen year olds up to adults playing at the same time. There are always exceptions to this thought.
The box is compact at about 11"x11"x2" high. It consists of a folded lay down board, a box of five hundred cards, sheets of paper on which definitions are written, six playing pieces, and a die. A dictionary is not needed but pencils are.
Object of the Game
The object of this game is to write definitions of words that, in most cases, nobody knows the true definition of. The more you fool people into choosing your definition as the true one, the more points you receive. Other points are given too. That's explained shortly.
Playing the Game
BOARD and PLAYING PIECES
The way to win this game is to be the one who gathers the most points and makes it to the Finish spot on the board.
The board folds out and the playing pieces are placed on it. Though the game comes with just six playing pieces it's easy to just add a few more items to represent additional players. We have played in groups up to as many as twelve.
DIE and CARDS
Each of the cards has six words. The words for the round is chosen by the spin of the die. A starting person, the Dasher, is determined by a high throw of the die. That person then tosses the die. Any numbers 1-5 determine which of the five words on the card is used. The number 6 gives the person whose turn it is, the Dasher, freedom to use any of the words. A slight variation of the game allows the Dasher to use any word without the spin of the die. We usually do it that way allowing the person to find a word they are comfortable with or feel may evoke more humor.
PAPER SHEETS and PENCILS
The Dasher says the word and spells it out so all the players may write the word on the sheet of paper that also has their name or initials on it. Time is then allowed for all persons to write their "fake" definition of the chosen word.
The idea here is to write something that you feel the letters and sound of the word may evoke. This is a fun and challenging part of the game and many fun answers are born at this time. While phony definitions are being written the Dasher writes the true definition that is stated on the card onto one of the same type sheets of paper.
As they are completed they are given to the card holder, the Dasher, who then reads them, first to him/herself being sure of each word and what is being conveyed.
The Dasher collects all the definitions in this same fashion being sure of each word and what the writer is trying to say. The Dasher places the true definition in with the made up ones randomly and then starts to read every sheet. It's important to read each one like it is the true definition and try to do it with a poker face. Sometimes it isn't easy when you read what some people write as "their true definition". At the same time it's important not to give yourself away when your phony definition is being read.
If there is a definition that closely resembles the true meaning, this sheet is taken out and three point are given to the person who happened to know the correct meaning. If more than one person knows the meaning then that round is canceled according to the rules. We have very rarely had two or more know the correct meaning in our social circle. "Is that good or bad" :)
When we have very large groups we just continue on anyway. We do make up our own house rules at times.
Scoring
The definitions are all read twice. On the third time around people vote for the one they feel is the correct definition. Remember, one really is the correct meaning.
As they are chosen the Dasher marks the sheet giving the appropriate points, one for each time it is chosen including when the real definition is chosen.
Once the round is finished the Dasher reveals who made up what definition. It's also fun trying to figure out who wrote what. I have found that certain people seem to fool or be fooled by the same persons time after time.
Once all is known the playing pieces are moved on the board accordingly.
-One move for each time a definition fooled a person.
-Two moves if you chose the correct definition after the round of definitions are read.
-Three moves for the person who knew the true meaning right away and wrote it on their sheet.
-Three moves to the Dasher on their turn if nobody picks the true definition.
A Few More Notes
It's important to note that a strong vocabulary is NOT important for this game, in fact, it's expected that most people will not know the definitions of the words on the cards.
What this really is is a bluffing game. You try and make the others believe that your word is the true meaning.
Another thing we have done when playing with a small group, perhaps three of four, is let the Dasher submit a phony definition too. This of course is along with the true definition.
In choosing definitions a person may chose their own phony definition as a sort of bluffing trick. Sometimes this can work. Of course that person does not receive a point for his own choice.
I also must express the importance of making your definition easily readable by the Dasher so that it may fool others.
When setting up the game try and use the same pencils and pens as different mediums can sometimes be recognized through the paper sheets as they are being read. Be sure to use like colours too.
Last Thoughts
This game really is a lot of fun and worth having in a family's game library. It's also an excellent teaching game as it exposes everyone to new words and helps define roots of words and its uses too but in a fun way. Finally I want to say that it is an excellent way of giving the mind some mental exercise and lastly, laughter is good for the body and soul.
Other family game reviews by popsrocks
Family Feud DVD Game
Deluxe Scrabble Play in style!
Monopoly Special Edition
Catch Phrase, a wonderful family and friend game!
Worst-Case Scenario Survivor Game Can you survive?
Encore Deluxe Fun, Fun, Fun!!
CLUE A classic " Who dun it?" game.
Stratego A time tested game of strategy.
Fact or Crap A new game that is fun for 15-adult
Texas Hold'em Poker
Games for adults, but not a "Adult Game"
How to Host a Murder This is our favorite game of all!
Men are From Mars, Woman are From Venus
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 24.95
Type of Toy: Board Game
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