FAQ's

What is the BEGINNER'S VARIATION?    (We like to call it TWACKLE, FWACKLE, SWACKLE!)

For new/ younger players to get into the flow, build up in the early rounds by making a TWACKLE ( 3 word answer), then a FWACKLE ( 5 words).  Get it?  Of course, adjust timer accordingly.  This quicker/simplified gameplay can be used anytime;  and can be even more drawn out - 3, 4, 5, 6 and then finally 7 letters drawn for remaining rounds; or decide based on the prompt drawn.  SO much flexibility. 

What is the BLANK/WILD TILE used for?      

The personal wild tile each player is given, can be used 1 time/game as a substitute letter if stumped, or to help craft their amazingly awesome "short-story" answer.  Also look below in the section about "judge"/trophy to see its other use.

What is the SPECIAL DELIVERY (SD) feature?

Scattered throughout the prompt cards are some that have an extra instruction for how players can deliver their answer and earn an extra point.   Example:  "Say it in an Australian accent".   OR if there's no SD on the card, but the Picker has their own suggestion, feel free to call it out after the prompt is read.   These Special Deliveries can add a whole extra layer of awkward silliness!

Can you play WITHOUT A "JUDGE" or awarding the SWACKLEE Trophy?

Sure!  We get it -- depending on the group demographics (age range, personality types, etc), it may work better to do a GROUP VOTE.    Instead of Picker awarding trophy to their favorite answer each round, EVERY PLAYER GETS TO VOTE - using their Wild Tile.   Picker's vote would break any ties.  

Another option is to just award the SWACKLEE trophy at very end of game, to player with highest overall score.  

How do you know WHO WINS/ when is game over?       We think the TRUE "win" is the permission to be quirky, and playfully, boldly, awkwardly deliver your answer to crack each other up.   But we know...some people REALLY are into winning -- so depending on number of Players, you can SWACKLE till you use up all the tiles and everyone adds up their scores (8 turns).  Or play enough turns that each Player has gotten to be the Picker equally.   There's even a SWACKLE-OFF for tie breaking!

Can you MIX UP your letters?

Yes, if you're stuck.   You just won't get that 1 point for keeping letters in order

Can you ADD OTHER FILLER WORDS so the sentence make more sense?

Nope. Sorry --but that's where the creative challenge comes in!  Remember what SWACKLE stands for?  Seven Words AUDACIOUSLY Combined...   then using your confident delivery -- gestures, pauses, dramatic voices, can make your answer shine and Kindle Laughter Every-time!

Can you use PROPER NOUNS, SLANG, a bit of CREATIVE WORD FUDGING?

Absolutely!  No limits word-wise.   For  example with the letter X,  feel free to use "xtraordinary" spelling.  We'd like to challenge you to access your deep rich vocabularies as you craft witty, wild, possibly snarky answers in the form of lists, phrases or "short-stories". 

 Can SWACKLE really be played with ANYONE and ANYWHERE?

That's definitely the intention!   In fact, we're holding onto a vision of different versions -  for classroom, as an APP, for corporate/office retreats, etc.   

The portability and sustainability features in both the bookbox and denim drawstring gamebag prototypes, are also super important and intentional features.

We know... there's lots of party games out there that prompt suggestive/ innuendo or even down-and-dirty content.   SWACKLE's prompts were written with a wide audience, in any setting -- from youngish kids on up to your great-grandma, in mind!   If you're playing with a mixed  group, obviously keep your vocabulary appropriate to your people.    

Here's a guarantee:  You WILL crack up when you hear the vastly different answers each player comes up with, and how they deliver their answers, once they get in the flow!

With memories of a family game night where we laughed til we cried, and inspired by other word games that channel your inner quirky word-nerd, SWACKLE's evolution has been a completely unexpected creative venture for this Milwaukee, WI mom/artist/designer.  

Invented by a mom, logo and other graphic designs by her niece and nephew, technical consulting and game night video by her son and his Bend, Oregon friends, proofreading, brainstorming by her sisters,  cloth bag prototypes by a friend, bookbox idea from another friend .... and SO MANY SWACKLE game nights with family and lots of varied friends, neighbors, Protospiel Play Testing events -- it's taking a village!   Thank you all  for the encouragement to this newbie game inventor.   It's been a fun ride so far.   

It's something invisible yet crucial  -- for "stitched" into SWACKLE's creation are some  hopes and dreams!   In the original prototype -- a denim drawstring bag  -- the game could literally be played right out of the bag!    Sustainable, durable, upcycled denim pant-leg design,  sewn by real human beings each with their own story.  

And now the SWACKLE Bookbox -  with visions of this game bringing fun, connection and vocabulary/confidence building skills to classrooms -  how cool would that be?!

That this little game can be a part of something bigger, kinder, bolder, transformative?!   It's an audacious dream, we know, but...POSSIBLE!!

"This game is SO much fun!  I'm not just saying that - it's really good!!"    

Stefan (age 30)

"Yay - Let's play SWACKLE again!!"  

Cora (age 7)

"It's so accessable.   Really a solid game!"

Andrew - playtester at Chicago Protospiel