Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A frantic word classic that fits in your pocket and tests your vocabulary under pressure.
Highlights
- Fast-paced and addictive
- Extremely portable and practical
- Simple and direct rules
- Great for large groups
Keep in mind
- Requires quick vocabulary
- Can be chaotic for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever had that moment of pure tension where you're about to finish a word, only to realize you're missing a letter while your opponent is already clearing the pile? Welcome to Bananagrams! Forget about paper, pens, or complicated boards. Here, the fun is purely tactile and frantic. The game consists of 144 letter tiles that come tucked inside a super charming, banana-shaped fabric pouch. The goal is simple, yet the challenge is massive: you need to build your very own crossword grid using the letters in your hand. But there's a catch: nobody waits for anyone! It's a real-time game. As soon as someone manages to use all their tiles, they shout 'Bananagrams!' and everyone rushes to grab a new tile from the pool. Chaos is guaranteed, and speed is the name of the game. If you enjoy testing your vocabulary under pressure, this is your game. Plus, it's incredibly versatile. Want to play solo to sharpen your brain? You can. Stuck in a tight spot with limited table space? There are variants like 'Banana Cafe' specifically for those situations. It's a perfect gateway game, incredibly fast (15-minute sessions, easy!) and fits in any backpack. It's the kind of modern classic you pull out of your bag and, within five minutes, you've already got a competitive crowd gathered around the table, all trying not to let their vocabulary freeze up.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
REC
3
BEST
4
BEST
5
BEST
6
REC
7
OK
8
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Bananagrams, Inc., 999 Games, AURUM, Inc., Broadway Toys LTD, DV Games, Galápagos Jogos, Game Factory, KOSMOS, Ludicus Games, Lúdilo, MINDOK, Nordic Games ehf, Peliko Oy, Super Impulse, Trefl, Vennerød Forlag AS
Designer
Abe Nathanson, Rena Nathanson
Artist
Aaron Nathanson, Kendra Harrington, Sandy Nathanson
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
31,312owners
613wishlist
34want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
It's super fast! Usually between 10 to 15 minutes per round.
What is the recommended age?
Since it's a spelling game, it works well for older kids and adults, but the fun is for all ages.
Do I need a board?
No! You play directly on the table using the tiles themselves.
Can I play solo?
Yes, the game includes rules for solo play for those who want to practice.
Is the game difficult?
The rules are very easy to learn, but the real challenge is the time and mental speed.
How many players can play?
From 1 to 8 players, making it excellent for parties.
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