Hasbro Upwords Board Game Instruction Manual

Introduction to Upwords

The Hasbro Upwords Board Game is a unique word-building game where players not only create words across and down the board but also stack letters upwards. This three-dimensional aspect adds a strategic layer to traditional word games, allowing for higher scores and dynamic gameplay. Designed for 2-4 players, ages 8 and up, Upwords offers an engaging experience for families and friends.

What's Included

Before starting, please ensure all components are present:

• 1 Gameboard
• 4 Rubber Feet
• 100 Letter Tiles
• 4 Tile Racks
• 1 Label Sheet
• 1 Game Guide (this manual)

Image: All components of the Upwords game, including the game board, letter tiles, and two tile racks.

Setup

Follow these steps to prepare the game for play:

1. Assemble the Gameboard: Place the four rubber feet into the designated holes on the underside of the gameboard to prevent it from sliding.
2. Prepare the Letter Tiles: Place all 100 letter tiles face down and mix them thoroughly. These form the draw pile.
3. Distribute Tile Racks: Each player selects one tile rack.
4. Draw Initial Tiles: Each player draws seven letter tiles and places them on their tile rack, keeping them hidden from other players.
5. Determine First Player: The player with the letter closest to 'A' goes first. In case of a tie, those players draw again. Return drawn letters to the pile and mix.

How to Play

Upwords is played in turns, with players forming words on the gameboard. The unique stacking mechanic allows for strategic play and higher scores.

Playing Words

• On your turn, use some or all of the letters on your rack to form a word on the gameboard.
• Words must be at least two letters long.
• Words can be formed horizontally or vertically, but not diagonally.
• The first word played must cover the center square of the board.
• Subsequent words must connect to at least one existing letter on the board.

Stacking Tiles

• You can place a new letter tile on top of an existing letter tile on the board, provided the new tile changes the word.
• A stack of tiles can be up to five tiles high.
• When you stack a tile, the new word formed must be valid and incorporate the new top letter.
• You cannot place a tile on top of another tile if it does not form a new, valid word.

Image: An example of gameplay with words formed and tiles stacked on the Upwords game board.

Ending Your Turn

• After playing your word(s) and calculating your score, draw new tiles from the draw pile to replenish your rack to seven tiles.
• If the draw pile is empty, continue playing without drawing new tiles.
• Your turn ends, and play passes to the next player clockwise.

Scoring

Points are awarded for each letter in every word formed or altered during your turn. The height of the stack determines the point value of each letter.

• Single-Layer Word: Each letter in a word that is only one tile high scores 1 point.
• Stacked Word: Each letter in a word that is part of a stack scores points equal to the number of tiles in that stack. For example, a letter in a stack of three tiles scores 3 points.
• Multiple Words: If your play forms or alters multiple words (e.g., a word across and a word down), you score for all words formed or altered.
• Using All Tiles: If you use all seven tiles from your rack in a single turn, you receive a bonus of 50 points in addition to your word score.

Keep a running tally of each player's score throughout the game.

Winning the Game

The game ends when all letter tiles have been drawn and one player has used all the tiles from their rack, or when no player can make a valid move. The player with the highest total score at the end of the game wins.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Upwords Board Game:

• Store all components in the original box when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
• Keep the game away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Clean the gameboard and tiles with a soft, dry cloth if necessary. Avoid abrasive cleaners or liquids.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while playing Upwords, consider the following:

• Missing Components: Refer to the 'What's Included' section. If components are missing upon opening, contact Hasbro customer support.
• Unclear Rules: Re-read the relevant sections of this manual. For specific rule clarifications, online resources or official Hasbro support may provide further assistance.
• Tiles Not Stacking Properly: Ensure tiles are placed flat and centered on the squares. Stacks can be up to five tiles high.

Specifications