Whatzit?

Borras Plana S.A., Habourdin International, Holdson · Board game · 1987
— Ludopedia 5.2 BGG 3–6 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.6/5
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— rating Ludopedia
5.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy cracking visual riddles and testing your memory with a touch of humor, Whatzit? will win you over!

Highlights
  • Creative visual challenge
  • Great for parties
  • Stimulates quick thinking
  • Easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Language dependent
  • Can be frustrating
  • Requires good perception
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to rack your brains with Whatzit?, a word and phrase guessing game that challenges your perception and memory! Forget the obvious rules, because here words and sayings appear in all sorts of ways: flipped, upside-down, sideways, or even jumbled up. Your challenge is to decipher what's hidden on each card, using visual clues like letter size, position, or direction. Sometimes, the answer comes from combining images with words or numbers, creating rebus-style riddles. The original 1987 game already offered this fun, and later editions added more puzzles and difficulty levels. The gameplay is straightforward: you roll a die that determines if you play solo, against everyone, or challenge a specific opponent. Advancing on the board might involve solving tougher "Wicked Whatzits" to take shortcuts. The first to reach the top, or achieve a set score, is the winner! Whatzit? is also known by other names worldwide, like Dingbats, and was so successful it became books, a TV show, and even a mobile app. It's a game that stimulates quick thinking, creativity, and the ability to see things from a different angle. Perfect for livening up any gathering, ensuring plenty of laughs and that satisfying "aha!" moment when you finally crack the riddle. If you enjoy word games, memory challenges, and a good mental workout with a touch of humor, Whatzit? is a sure bet for hours of fun with family or friends.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Components: Sand Timers
Publisher Borras Plana S.A., Habourdin International, Holdson, Milton Bradley, N.W. Damm & Søn (Damm), Parker Brothers, RoseArt, Selecta Spielzeug, Waddington Sanders Ltd., Waddingtons, Warren Industries, Inc.
Designer Liliane Laclos, Michel Laclos, Paul Sellers

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,029owners
14wishlist
1want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the main objective of Whatzit?
The objective is to decipher the words or phrases hidden on the cards, which appear in unusual ways (flipped, inverted, etc.), using visual clues and sometimes a board to advance.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 3 to 6 players, making it ideal for groups who enjoy interaction and friendly competition.
How long does a game last?
Games are quick, usually lasting around 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for livening up a party or a shorter game session.
Is the game difficult to learn?
No, the basic rules are quite simple. The challenge lies in deciphering the riddles, which become more complex, but the mechanics themselves are accessible.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, the game is entirely language-dependent, as the puzzles are based on English words and expressions.
What components come with the game?
It typically includes cards with visual puzzles, a board, a die, and possibly player markers. Some versions might include sand timers.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for families, groups of friends who enjoy word games, puzzles, and mental challenges with a touch of humor. Not recommended for those who don't speak English.

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