Konexi: A Word and Construction Game that is Fun for the Whole Family

Everyone in my family loves board games. When I'm looking for gifts, I try to find a game that are different, that offer a challenge, but can be played by the entire family.

I found Konexi while doing a online search for unique games. We play as a family and I wanted something that could be played by the youngest and the oldest. I came across Konexi which looked interesting.

The reviews on the game were mixed, but it sounded like fun to me. So, naturally, I had to find out for myself. This is my review of the word game, Konexi.

See how our first game went and why my family recommends Konexi as a gift for the game lovers on your list!

This is what you'll find in this game's box. The difference between the deluxe version and the standard version is that the deluxe version comes with a bag to hold the letters and other accessories.

• One of each letter of the alphabet
• Numbered dice
• Game piece
• Score pad
• Instructions on how to play the game

All you need now is a table and some players!

Take all the letters our of the box and arrange them in a circle on the table.

1. The first person rolls the dice. They move the green game piece around the circle the number of paces that they rolled.

2. They then select one of the letters on either side of the game piece.

3. They place that letter standing up on the table.

4. Player number two rolls the dice. They move the game piece, then select their letter.

5. Player number two attaches their letter to the letter on the table with one hand (no holding on to the bottom piece!)

Play continues in this matter with each person attaching a letter to the tower..

Konexi is really two games in one. It combines brain power and physical dexterity.

First, you have to be able to create words. The more letters you make words with, the more points you get.

Second, you've got to have a steady hand. Ever had a Jenga tower collapse on you? Konexi works the same way. Only in this game you building the game upward one letter at a time rather than removing blocks. Either way, the results are the same. Game is over when the tower collapses.

Do you enjoy word games? If so, you're the perfect person for Konexi.

My family had a great time taking this game for a test spin. It's really fun and it doesn't matter how old you are. In fact, the young ones are a little better at the whole balancing act than the middle aged folks.

This is a great game for people of all ages. A great addition to family game night!

The object of Konexi is to make words. The letters of the word do not have to be in order, but they must be touching. For instance, a player adds a P to ATRS. They can spell Part, Parts, Strap, Rat, Rap, Star, Tar, etc. They don't get ART and ARTS which the previous player got points for.

Let's there is also an E in the tower. The player cannot use the E unless it is touching one of those letters connected to the letter they attached their P to in the tower.

Every letter in a word that they formed earns points. Part is worth 4 points, Strap is worth 5 points, Rat is worth 3 points, and so on. The first person to reach 20 points wins.

Seems simple? Not so fast! It isn't that easy to make words. There is only one of each letter of the alphabet in the box so you've got to think about where you can place your letter to make words and not tip over the tower. If you knock down part of the tower you lose points.

Still not sure how Konexi works? Here's a demonstration of how the game is played.

A Big Thumbs Up!

Several members of my family joined in the Konexi tournament. They ranged from 9 years old to 54. There was a teenager thrown in the mix as well--and a couple of people who could see without their glasses.

The first game we felt our way through. We bent the rules a bit for the 9 year old since she is spelling challenged. We also did not apply the 20 point rule as we wanted to see how far we could go construction wise. We place about half the letters before knocking it down.

The third game, my sister accidentally pulled on the tablecloth and sent the tower tumbling. We verbally berated her then took points away even though it wasn't her turn.

By the fifth game, we were getting pretty good at it. Turns out my sister-in-law is incredibly good at balancing the letters. We almost used up all the letters before it went crashing.

All in all, it was challenging enough to be engaging, but not so hard that it was frustrating. You don't have to be a good speller to play the game (as long as everyone else is playing fairly and helps you find the words). This is great because children and adults can play together with no problem.

You do need to have a steady hand in order to get the letters into positions. It's more difficult to build the tower than to spell.

Finally, you need to be able to laugh because this game can get silly. I'd say it earns a family wide big thumbs up!

I love puzzles and word games, don't you? I can sit for hours with a puzzle magazine mulling over crosswords and cryptograms. I like being able to put my brain cells to work.

I'm always looking for people to challenge me to a game, though there aren't many takers. It can be just as fun to play against others and it helps build up those brain cells.

How about you? If you're into word games and puzzle, do you prefer to play alone or do you like games that allow you to compete?

14 Family Members Can't Be Wrong

Since January, I've given Konexi as gifts to three family members because they enjoyed it so much. The family has played Konexi several times over the course of the year. Participants ranged from 9 years old to 75. I can safely say that everyone from the spellers to the builders enjoyed this game.

People who are great with words will enjoy this game because it takes a certain amount of thinking to get maximum points from your turn. Though, being able to spell is not essential.

People who are good with their hands will appreciate the dexterity involved in keeping the letters balanced. Much like Jenga, it is just as important what you do with your letters as well as how many words you spell.

This is a great game for children even if they can't spell. They can practice hand dexterity by place letters on top of each other. Then, with the help of an adult they can see how different letter combinations make words.

This is a great gift for all ages and ability types. A great addition for family game night!

Thanks for stopping by! Think you might try your hand at Konexi?