
- BGG rank
- BGG #1,298
- BGG rating
- 7.0
Insider
- 4–8 players
- 15 min
- Complexity 1.1/5
- 2016

1986
Rules assistance for Dictionary Dabble
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Dictionary Dabble is a board game released in 1986 for 4–14 players, 60 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up.
Given that Balderdash came out right around the same time, this may be a case of simultaneous invention (or in this case, simultaneously deciding to commercialize a folk game). Dictionary Dabble is played exactly like Balderdash (players make up definitions to words and try to guess the real one). The scoring is a little different. In addition to scoring a point for guessing the correct definition and a point for each person who votes for your contrived definition, you also can score a bonus point if your pawn is on a space that matches the symbol on the word card that is drawn (provided you guess the correct definition). One thing it has going for it over Balderdash: the movers are little miniature "Thinker" sculptures!
Dictionary Dabble supports 4–14 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Dictionary Dabble is 60 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Dictionary Dabble for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Dictionary Dabble has a complexity rating of 1.3 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Dictionary Dabble belongs to these categories: Word Game, Party Game, and Bluffing. Categories describe the theme, setting and style of a game rather than its rules. Filter the catalogue by the same category to find similar games when you enjoyed Dictionary Dabble and want something comparable for your next game night.
The catalogue lists Dictionary Dabble as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.