Bananagrams Game

The Bananagrams game is a total classic. Please bear with me if I spell it wrong in this article, it is nigh on impossible! Apart from the crazy name, this is just about the most perfect game I have ever bought for the family. I didn’t get it just for the kids, although they do often pay with it without us. But it comes into its own as a great, yet simple to play family game.

Where To Buy Bananagrams

This has been in the bestselling 100 toys list for over 4 years now, and there is still no sign of it going away. Not surprising when we are looking at a great game for only around ten to fifteen bucks or so. Often there is a discount from a third party seller on Amazon, the place I have found prices to be best. So you can certainly get Bananagrams best price from there.

Click For The Bananagrams Price

Bananagrams Rules

This is definitely what appeals to me, apart from the bananagrams price, the rules are simple enough to not confuse the young children. It means that we can all have fun, without having to spend an age going over the rules each time the set is brought out. See the end of this article for the full list of official Bananagrams rules.

There are actually a number of different ways to play the game, which is great, and none of them are confusing. Unlike traditional scrabble there is no need for a pen and paper and keeping score. First one to get rid of all their tiles wins, whatever variation you actually play.

It is a slightly more independent game in that you each try to use your letters to make words in more of a crossword type style.

But there is no competition for using high scoring letter, none of them have points on them. The same for missing out on a high scoring square, there are no squares!

Rather you simply have to make a series of inter-connected words to get rid of all your letters. So it really is a race against the clock. Plus, you are able to switch out letters in the words you have already placed down, if it will help you to make another word.

Bananagrams For Kids

When playing with the children you can keep the rules as simple as talked about above. But there are many variations. Making the words themed, only allowing 2 or 3 letter words etc.

There are a few options that you can stick to or modify. If you cannot use a letter you have to say “dump”, you then swap it out, but for 3 in return. We can stick to this or change it so the adults do this and maybe the children just get one letter back. We can use our discretion to find what makes it best as a family game.

We have a 144 counters for Bananagrams, enough for 4 players easily. But if it is for a large family game then it may be better to have a few of these packs to make the game more enjoyable.

And don’t forget, if you make a spelling mistake with one of your words then you are out.

We found this a little strict for the younger children so decided it would only apply to the adults.

This is the total beauty of the game, it is fluid enough that you can set the rules so they are the most appropriate depending on who is actually playing the game. Just be sure to enjoy yourself. Which, in all honesty, is not hard.

What I Love

The main thing with the cheap Bananagrams game is that it is suitable for everyone. I have lost count of the times myself and my Wife have had a quick game of an evening, where we play by themed rules to make it harder. But the beauty is that you can play with the kids anytime and adjust rules as appropriate.

But the real beauty is that it is entirely portable too. We have our little yellow bag with the 144 counters inside and it can be taken anywhere. It means you can have quick games on trips and vacations, or simply take it around to a friends house.

Honestly, this is one of those games that you are going to love playing with adults and also with the children. One of the best investments in terms of toys that I have ever come across.

Here is an image giving you the full list of the official rules form the Bananagrams official site.