Gameplay Strategy

Master the Read-Aloud Rule: Always remember to read the card content aloud before playing it. This is not just a rule but a critical part of gameplay and learning.

Memory and Observation: Pay close attention to the cards being played and read aloud by other players. This will help in remembering which names and meanings have been played, aiding in making strategic matches.

Card Management: Balance the play between name and meaning cards. Keep track of the cards in your hand and try to maintain a balance of both types for more matching opportunities.

Advantage Card Usage: Avoid the temptation to use Advantage Cards early in the game. Instead, save them for the later stages when their impact can be more significant. Observe the game's progression and the positions of other players. As you get a clearer picture of who is leading and how the game is unfolding, you can make more informed decisions on when and how to use these cards.

  • Before using an Advantage Card, always try to make any matches already possible with the cards in your hand. This can potentially allow you to make up to three matches in a turn.  

  • Match-Taker Cards: Use these cards strategically to take matches from leading players who have the most matches. 

  • Any-Matcher Cards: Save these for when you're unable to make a match with your existing cards. Remember, using this card ends your turn, so use it wisely. 

  • Skipper Cards: Use these to disrupt the strategy of a leading player or to prevent a player from making a potential match. 

Duplicate Management: If you hold both the original and duplicate, consider the 'Duplicate shuffle' strategy. Keep in mind the cards already played to assess whether keeping the duplicate could lead to a future match or if it's better to shuffle it back for a new card.

Claiming Unnoticed Matches: Stay vigilant for unclaimed matches in the middle. Claiming these before your regular play can give you an advantage in collecting more matches. Remember to be discreet if you notice unclaimed matches to avoid alerting other players.

Turn Efficiency: Aim to make the most of your turn. If possible, create up to three matches in one turn to maximise your collection of matches.

Reading Aloud:Never forget to read the card aloud before playing it. This is a fundamental rule and overlooking it can result in losing valuable cards.

Drawing Replacement Cards: Always remember to draw the same number of cards you've played to keep your hand replenished to avoid playing with less cards.

Preparing for the Tiebreaker Quiz: Throughout the game, try to familiarise yourself with as many names and meanings as possible. This preparation can be crucial if the game ends in a tie and goes to a quiz round.

Playing Both Offensively and Defensively: While focusing on building your matches, also keep an eye on the opponents' collections and potentially block their attempts at making certain matches by using the advantage cards.

Endgame Strategy:

  • Keep an eye on the number of cards left in the decks to gauge when the game might end. 

  • As the game nears its end, be more aggressive in using your Advantage Cards, especially if you are losing in matches.