Buzzword

About this board game

Buzzword is a team-based word game for 4–12 players that plays in about 45 minutes. First released in 2003, it challenges teams to solve phrases built around a stated buzzword while racing against a strict time limit.

Divide everyone into two teams. On a team’s turn, one player becomes the clue giver and attempts to guide teammates to the answers for 10 words. Each card identifies its buzzword, and the other team members must solve each clue by saying the phrases that include it.

• Play in two competing teams.
• Give clues for 10 words on your team’s turn.
• Complete answers within 45 seconds.
• Score one point for every correctly solved clue.
• Give the opposing team a chance to score on missed clues.

While the clue giver works, the opposing team keeps track of the time and records the missed clues. When the turn ends, the clue giver reads those missed clues to the other team, giving them an opportunity to earn additional points.

The questions range from easy to quite difficult, so every 45-second round can test quick thinking, communication, and familiarity with phrases. Keep solving clues and collecting points: the first team to reach 50 points wins.

Recognized as a 2004 Games Magazine Games 100 Honoree, Buzzword combines a clear team format with rapid-fire clue solving and a built-in chance to recover points from unanswered clues.