Probe

About this board game

Probe is a word-guessing game for 2–4 players, with a play time of about 60 minutes. Released in 1964, it challenges players to guess the hidden words held by their opponents.

Each player works to uncover the letters in the other players’ words. As guesses reveal more information, the hidden words become easier to identify, creating an ongoing exchange of deduction and scoring.

An activity deck adds variety to the central guessing challenge. Its cards can alter scores or reveal letters, changing the information available and affecting how points are earned during the game.

• Guess opponents’ hidden words.
• Use activity cards that can alter scores.
• Reveal letters through the activity deck.
• Continue guessing and scoring even after your own word is revealed.

A distinctive feature of Probe is that no player is left out. Even when a player’s own word has been revealed, they continue guessing their opponents’ letters and scoring points.

This means the game remains active for everyone throughout the session, rather than removing a player from the action when their word is known. The activity deck further keeps the flow changing by introducing score adjustments and additional letter reveals.

For groups of 2–4, Probe combines hidden-word guessing with an activity deck that can shift the scoring and information on the table. Its focus stays on identifying opponents’ letters and words while ensuring that every player continues to take part.