Palabra

About this board game

Palabra is a word-building card game for 2–6 players that plays in about 30 minutes. Use color-coded letter cards to create words, pursue clever scoring combinations, and finish with the highest total score.

Words can be made from cards of mixed colors, but using cards that are all the same color makes the score double. You can also form straights with three or more consecutive letters, adding another way to turn your cards into points.

Look for starred cards, which can double or triple the value of words. A flush offers a different scoring opportunity: play five or more cards that are all the same color, and score without needing to make a word.

• Build on words played by opponents.
• Use three wild cards as substitutes for any letter or any color.
• Play the point-canceling killer-card, or Joker, against an opponent’s big score.

These options make every play an opportunity to find a more valuable combination. You may score through word construction, color matching, consecutive letters, special cards, or a well-timed move against another player.

In Palabra, the game continues until all cards have been used. Add up the points at the end, and the player with the highest total score wins.