I made this game up with a girlfriend, but I can't know remember the exact mechanics of it. Perhaps i tcould be fine-tuned here.
One person is behind a blinder with a dictionary. A word is selected at random (that part needs some sort of device or rule set) The first definition of the word is read, including (perhaps) its part of speech. The opponent must now guess the word. If correct, 10 points is awarded. If incorrect the first letter of the word is given. A correct answer at this point is worth 5. Another letter is given. A correct answer is worth 3. 4 letters 2 points. 5 letters, 1 point awarded or an incorrect guess resulting in zero points.
One variation that would make the word selection part more sporting would be to play with two teams of two. The word provider would also be able to score by having words guessed by his partner, and hence would not select impossible words.-- snikrepkire, Apr 19 2004 (?) "Beat the dictionary" http://www.randomho...eatures/rhwebsters/Mix of the descriebd idea and "hangman" [jutta, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004] Balderdash instructions (1984) http://www.centralc...MES/balderdash.htmlAlso involves dice and cards, but yes. [jutta, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004] Also works with a thesauraus, taking points away after giving more synonyms.-- yabba do yabba dabba, Apr 19 2004 I prefer the game they once made into a TV show on the BBC, whereby you give three alternative definitions for the same obscure word. The other player(s) has/ve to guess which one is correct.-- DrCurry, Apr 21 2004 They also play that game on "Says You," a US National Public Radio show, Doc.-- krelnik, Apr 21 2004 'Call My Bluff' [DrC]-- gnomethang, Apr 22 2004 'Call My Bluff" seems the same as "Balderdash"(sp?)-- yabba do yabba dabba, Apr 22 2004 Beyond Balderdash is a fun game as well. Instead of just words they have movie names, dates, names of people, and acronyms.-- Bamboo, Apr 22 2004 We used to play this starting with the more obscure definitions.-- Ford, Feb 14 2008 random, halfbakery