A war of words, but with a twist

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Priya is visiting India briefly. She was an avid board GAME player and a keen competitor against whom I pitted wits frequently. The many hours dedicated to Quoridor and such like made it only natural she came bearing games as gifts.

I’m now the proud owner of Quiddler, a Canadian word game that boasts 15 best game awards. Hundred and eighteen letter and double letter cards get shuffled and dealt. The game runs for eight rounds, starting with a three-cards hand and graduating to a final 10-cards hand. There are bonus points for the most number of words, and the longest word in a round. Points are lost for the cards you didn’t use.
Into round three, I figured like in most other word games, if you wait to make that deliciously clever word, you could well get left behind. I switched tactics, discarded high points letters I couldn’t use. Made simple but long words, and agreed with the others to not allow bonus points for getting lots of silly two or three letter words.
Quiddler cards are beautiful. The letter graphics in the middle of the cards are apparently inspired by Celtic manuscripts from 500 – 800 AD. Elaborate and very elegant calligraphy, with restrained card design. Lovely game. Wonderful gift!