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Official "Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Game" Rules

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"Ransom Notes" is a party game where players use a mix of word magnets to create funny, clever, or poignant phrases in response to prompts. Here are the rules for playing Ransom Notes:

Game Components:

  • Word Magnets: A variety of magnets with different words and phrases.

  • Prompt Cards: Cards that give players a situation or scenario to respond to.

  • Player Boards: Boards where players can arrange their word magnets.

  • Timer: Used to limit the time players have to create their responses.

Setup:

  1. Distribute Components: Each player or team receives a set of word magnets and a player board.

  2. Shuffle Prompt Cards: Shuffle the deck of prompt cards and place them face down in the center of the table.

  3. Determine Starting Player: Choose a player to be the first judge (this role will rotate each round).

Objective:

  • The objective is to create the best response to the prompt card using the word magnets, as judged by the current round’s judge.

Gameplay:

  • The game is played over a series of rounds, with each round consisting of the following steps:

1. Draw a Prompt Card:

  • The judge draws a prompt card from the deck and reads it aloud to all players. The prompt will describe a scenario or ask a question to which players must respond.

2. Create Responses:

  • Players use their word magnets to create a response to the prompt. Responses must be assembled on the player boards.

  • Players have a set amount of time to create their responses (usually 60-90 seconds, depending on the agreed timer setting).

3. Submit Responses:

  • Once the time is up, players present their responses. They can read them aloud or show them to the judge.

4. Judge Responses:

  • The judge reviews all the responses and selects the one they find the funniest, most creative, or most fitting to the prompt.

  • The player whose response is chosen by the judge wins the round.

5. Scoring and Rotation:

  • The winning player receives the prompt card as a point.

  • Rotate the judge role to the next player clockwise, and begin a new round.

Winning the Game:

  • The game continues for a predetermined number of rounds or until a player reaches a set number of points.

  • The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Additional Rules:

  • House Rules: Players can introduce house rules for additional fun, such as bonus points for particularly creative use of words or for making the judge laugh.

  • Team Play: For larger groups, players can form teams and collaborate on creating responses.

  • Magnet Limits: To increase the challenge, set a limit on the number of magnets players can use for their responses.

Ransom Notes: The Ridiculous Word Magnet Game is a lighthearted game that encourages creativity and humor, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. Enjoy creating hilarious and imaginative phrases with your friends and family!

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