REBUS
Rules of the GameTo Play: Separate the tiles into the three bags according to color. Each player chooses one tile from the bag containing yellow tiles. The player with a letter tile goes first. If two letters are drawn, then the player closest to “A” begins. If no letters are drawn, the players choose as before until a starting player is selected. Each player then draws three tiles from each bag. The starting player arranges his tiles to form a Rebus sentence or word, places it on the board vertically or horizontally so that one tile of his Rebus covers the center dot. He totals his score and replaces his tiles with the same color tiles. Play passes to the left The second player and subsequent players, must form Rebuses that connect to those already played, scoring and replacing the tiles as before.
Rules in forming Rebuses:
1. Sentences must be plausible and complete statements, as judged by the other players. Sentences may be as simple as “I saw”. All parts of a Rebus must be represented by a symbol or letter, and punctuation is understood.
2. Single word Rebuses may be formed. Words may be spelled out using the letters, within a Rebus sentence.
3. A Rebus that has been played may be added to, as long as the new portion relates logically to the old.
4. No lists. Ex. “He has a cup, oar, phone and leaf.”
5. Proper nouns and common names are allowed. Ex MLE— “Emily” Initials are not allowed.
6. A symbol’s meaning may be changed to suit the second Rebus when it connects to one previously played.
7. If a player cannot form a Rebus, he may choose to replace all his tiles and forfeit his turn.
8. When drawing replacement tiles and none remain in the same color, a player may choose from either of the other bags.
Rules on Scoring:
1. The basic score: 3 times the number of tiles in the Rebus.
2. Bonus squares: double the basic score if blue, triple the basic score if red. The starting blue dot doubles the score. Bonuses are scored once only.
3. Multiple Rebuses can be formed — on a single turn. On a single turn, a Rebus must be played either horizontally or vertically, never in both directions.
4. A 50 point bonus for using all 9 tiles on a single turn.
5. Tiles left unplayed at the end of the game, are multiplied by 3 and subtracted from the score.
Ending the Game:
Play ends when, with no replacement tiles left, a player uses all of his, or no one can form a Rebus. Highest score wins.
GLOSSARY
On the following pages is a glossary of the 76 Rebus symbols used in this game set. They should be used only as a guide, and if new ways of interpreting a symbol are acceptable to all players, then these new meanings can be used. Besides the possible meaning of a symbol, a simple example is given.
