Jarnac

About this board game

Jarnac is a two-player word-building game that takes about 40 minutes to play. Using available letter tiles, players form words on their gameboards and work to fill all eight available lines.

On each turn, players can extend and rearrange existing words whenever possible. The aim is not only to create new words, but also to recognize the different arrangements that can be made from words already in play.

Jarnac adds a distinctive challenge through its callout rule. If a player overlooks an anagram they could have made during their turn, the opponent can call out the missed opportunity and steal the word.

• Form words using available letter tiles.
• Extend and rearrange words already on the gameboard.
• Call out missed anagrams and steal the word.
• Complete all eight available lines to end the game.

The game ends when one player has formed a word on each of the eight lines. This creates a clear finish while keeping attention focused on every possible word and anagram during play.

Released in 1977, Jarnac can be played head to head or in teams. Its combination of word formation, rearrangement, and opponent callouts makes every turn an opportunity to build your own position or spot what the other player has missed.