Pass the Bomb First Impressions

Pass the Bomb is Less Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick Booom!…

…and more erm, erm, erm, erm $#*&!

This frantic game is a wonderful exercise in word-summoning. In it, players try to come up with a word that contains a certain sequence of letters before the ticking time-bomb in their hands explodes. The bomb is an electronic timer with a variable time allotment, and a player is only allowed to pass the bomb to the next person when he comes up with a word that contains the needed letters. While creative spelling of the words in question can be frowned upon, it’s up to the guy next to you to determine your fate.

That’s it! There are cards laid out and you need to say a word that has the letters on one of those cards in it. When you do you pass the bomb and hope it doesn’t explode while you’re holding it.

But, it’s not that straight forward.

Before each round, you roll a die that has 3 different sides.

Tick – letters may not be used at the start of the word
Tick-Tack – letters may be used anywhere in the word
Bomb – letters may not be used at the end of the word

When the timer starts, you generally think of 3-4 words very quickly. Only for each player, in turn, to use them up. Usually the person right before you!

Pass the Bomb Update June 2018

There must be better word games, right?

Even ones where you’re thinking of words or answering questions against the clock. Tension springs to mind as a fun game that does this well.

A different kind of game but a game where you need to be quick with your words that I like is the bluffing game The Chameleon. Here you have a short amount of time to think of a clue. This clue is for a word that everyone except one player knows. If you’re that one player that doesn’t know you need to think quick. You should naturally give a clue word that looks like you fit in. Too vague and you’re under suspicion but if you’re off target you give yourself away.

Still, I smile whenever I see Pass the Bomb for sale in high street stores 🙂

Jesta ThaRogue