How to Play the Last Word

A great game that has gotten some buzz is The Last Word. Designated for ages 10 and up, it can actually work for even ages 7 or 8 as well (just go easy on the little ones). Be ready for that game show buzzer to go off at random intervals. The following tips simplify the games for the young (and some older players, too).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The Last Word board game

1. Divide the cards into letters and topics. Choose a pawn.
2. Turn over a letter card and topic card. Everyone must shout out a word, for example, an animal at the zoo that begins with "G." The one who says the last word before the buzzer goes off can move her pawn forward one space.
3. Simply ignore the cards that seem too difficult for a child and move on to the next category. Many of the subjects or topics do work for kids. If a letter is too hard, do the same thing; place it on the bottom of the pile and pick up or display the next card.
4. Let younger kids who still hate to lose cross the finish line together by shouting out a word together before the buzzer. Have the adult penalized or handicapped by having him move only once every other time he says the last word, such as once for every two times he wins the round.
5. Decide if the answer makes enough sense. For children, the silliness may make sense to them more often than you can believe. When a person shouts before the buzzer goes off, the other players need to be the judges regarding the word shouted.