Hasbro Upwords Game Instruction Manual

Introduction

Upwords is a classic 3-dimensional word game designed for 2 to 4 players, ages 10 and up. This game challenges players to build words not only across and down, but also by stacking letters upwards on the game board. The objective is to score points by creating new words and modifying existing ones through strategic stacking.

Package Contents

Before starting, ensure all components are present:

• 64 Plastic Letter Tiles
• 1 Plastic Gameboard Unit
• Instruction Booklet (this manual)

Image: The Upwords game box opened, displaying the black plastic game board, a pile of white letter tiles, and the instruction booklet. This confirms the presence of all game components.

Setup

1. Prepare the Game Board: Place the plastic game board unit on a flat, stable surface.
2. Distribute Letter Tiles: All 64 letter tiles should be placed face down and mixed thoroughly. Each player draws 7 tiles and places them on their tile rack. If tile racks are not included, players should keep their tiles concealed.
3. Determine First Player: Players can decide who goes first by drawing a tile, with the player drawing the letter closest to 'A' starting the game.

Operating Instructions (How to Play)

Upwords offers a unique twist on word-building games by allowing players to stack letters. The goal is to form words and score points by placing tiles on the board.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by building words across, down, and upwards on the game board.

Gameplay Overview

1. Starting a Word: The first player places a word on the board, ensuring at least one letter covers the center square.
2. Building Words: On subsequent turns, players can build new words in three ways:
   • Across or Down: Place tiles to form a word horizontally or vertically, connecting to existing words.
   • Stacking Upwards: Place a new letter tile on top of an existing tile on the board to change an existing word or create a new one. Tiles can be stacked up to 5 high. When stacking, the new word must be valid.
3. Drawing New Tiles: After each turn, draw new tiles from the face-down pile to replenish your rack to 7 tiles.
4. Valid Words: Only words found in a standard dictionary are allowed. Proper nouns, abbreviations, and hyphenated words are not permitted.

Scoring

Points are awarded for each letter in the word(s) formed during a turn:

• Each letter tile in a word scores 2 points.
• For each tile underneath a letter in your newly formed word, score an additional 1 point. This means stacked letters can earn more points.

Image: The back of the Upwords game box illustrates gameplay examples. It shows how to build words across or down, stack letters to change words, and build and stack to maximize scores. This visual aid demonstrates the core mechanics of the game.

Ending the Game

The game ends when all letter tiles have been drawn and one player has used all the tiles on their rack, or when no more words can be formed. The player with the highest total score wins.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Wipe the game board and letter tiles with a soft, dry cloth if they become dusty. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by immediate drying.
• Storage: Store all game components in their original box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or discoloration.
• Handling: Handle letter tiles carefully to prevent loss or damage.

Troubleshooting

• Missing Tiles: If tiles are missing, check the game box thoroughly. For replacement parts, contact Hasbro customer support (contact information not provided in product data).
• Disputes over Word Validity: In case of disagreement over a word's validity, consult a standard dictionary. If a dictionary is not readily available, players can agree on a house rule or skip the word.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

No specific warranty information or direct support contact details are provided with the product data. For any inquiries regarding the Hasbro Upwords game, please refer to the official Hasbro website or contact their customer service department.