https://youtube.com/shorts/Vk9WoSXqBNI?si=IgdxXJi8KAL427ALPass the Bomb Game is an intense board game that tests your quick thinking, vocabulary, and composure under pressure.
Imagine the tension of a ticking bomb in your hands, knowing that at any moment it could "explode" and leave you scrambling to avoid the consequences. This game takes that anxiety and turns it into a fast-paced, competitive challenge where your wit and words are your only defences.
Whether you're looking for friend or family board games, Pass The Bomb is designed to keep 2-12 players aged 8+ engaged, laughing, and perhaps a little on edge as they try to pass off the bomb before it’s too late.
What’s inside the Pass The Bomb box?
When you first open the Pass The Bomb box, you’re greeted with a set of components that are simple yet perfectly designed to enhance the game’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Pass the Bomb timer
The star of the show is the bomb-shaped timer, which is both visually striking and essential to the gameplay.
This timer isn’t just a simple countdown device; it’s an unpredictable element that can explode at any moment between 10 and 60 seconds, adding a layer of tension that keeps players on their toes. The ticking sound it makes is nerve-wracking in the best way possible, turning each round into a thrilling race against time.
Pass the Bomb cards
Alongside the bomb, you’ll find 110 double-sided word cards, each side featuring a different combination of letters.
These cards are the heart of the game, challenging players to think quickly and creatively to form words that include the letters shown. The fact that each card has two sides—red and blue—adds versatility to the game, allowing for a variety of word combinations and increasing replayability.
Pass the Bomb dice
The game also includes an illustrated dice, which introduces an additional layer of complexity.
The symbols on the dice dictate how the letters on the card must be used, such as restricting them to the beginning or end of a word. This not only tests your vocabulary but also your ability to adapt your strategy last minute.
Jute bag
Rounding out the components is a jute storage bag, which is a thoughtful inclusion that makes it easy to keep all the pieces together and take the game on the go.
If you’re looking for other board game storage, why not see what Asmodee has to offer?
Pass the Bomb instructions leaflet
Lastly, there’s an instruction leaflet that explains the rules, though the game is intuitive enough that you’ll likely be up and running within minutes.
What is Pass the Bomb board game
At its core, Pass The Bomb is a game about quick thinking, word knowledge, and, above all, timing. The primary objective is deceptively simple: avoid being the player holding the bomb when it "explodes" and end the game with the fewest cards. However, achieving this goal requires a combination of strategy, speed, and mental agility.
Each round begins with a player drawing a card that displays a set of letters. These pass-the-bomb codes and letters are the foundation of the word you must come up with before the bomb explodes. The challenge lies in the fact that you cannot repeat words that have already been used in the round, and depending on the outcome of the dice roll, you may be further restricted in how you can use the letters. For instance, the dice might dictate that the letters can only appear at the beginning or end of the word, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
But the ticking bomb is the game’s ultimate wildcard. The unpredictability of when the bomb will go off creates an atmosphere of intense pressure. You might have the perfect word in mind, but the longer you hesitate, the greater the risk that the bomb will explode in your hands. This tension forces players to balance speed with accuracy, as a rushed or incorrect word could result in a penalty.
In addition to avoiding the bomb, players must also strive to collect as few cards as possible. After each round, the player holding the bomb when it explodes must keep the card in play. The game continues for 13 rounds, and the player with the fewest cards at the end is declared the winner. In the case of a tie, a sudden-death round determines the final players.
This blend of speed, strategy, and suspense is what makes Pass The Bomb such an engaging game. It’s not just about knowing a lot of words; it’s about thinking quickly under pressure and making smart decisions in the heat of the moment.
Pass The Bomb game rules
Setting up Pass the Bomb
Before the game begins, take a few minutes to prepare. Start by shuffling the deck of 110 double-sided word cards.
The cards feature different combinations of letters on each side, with one side red and the other blue. Depending on your group’s preference, you can decide which colour to play with for the entire game or mix them up to add variety.
Next, deal 13 cards into a pile face down, creating the draw pile for the game. The remaining cards can be set aside—they won’t be needed for the current game but will come in handy for future rounds, ensuring that no two games are exactly the same.
Once the timer is ready, place it in the centre of the playing area, easily accessible to all players. The dice should also be placed nearby, as they will be rolled at the start of each round to determine the rules for that round’s word formation.
Rules for Pass the Bomb
1. Rolling the Pass the Bomb dice & Codes for Pass the Bomb
The game begins with the first player rolling the dice. The symbol that appears will dictate how the letters on the card must be used in the word:
Tick
The letters on the card cannot be used at the beginning of the word. For example, if the card shows "ST," you can use it in words like "cost" or "mystery," but not in "start" or "stop."
Bomb symbol
The letters cannot be used at the end of the word. Using the same example, "start" or "past" would be acceptable, but "cost" or "test" would not.
Tick Tack
The letters can be used anywhere in the world, giving players the most flexibility.
2. Starting the Round
After the dice is rolled, the first player draws the top card from the pile and immediately starts the bomb timer. As soon as the timer starts ticking, the player must say a word that meets the criteria established by the dice roll. Once they’ve successfully stated a word, they quickly pass the bomb to the next player.
3. Passing the bomb
The next player then has to say a different word that fits the same criteria before passing the bomb along. This continues around the circle, with each player trying to think of a new word as quickly as possible. Remember, no words can be repeated during the same round, and hesitation can be costly.
4. The explosion
The bomb is set to explode at a random interval, anywhere between 10 and 60 seconds. If the bomb explodes while a player is holding it, that player must keep the card and start a new round by rolling the dice and drawing a new card.
5. Ending the game
The game continues for 13 rounds, with the objective being to collect as few cards as possible. The player with the fewest cards at the end of the 13th round wins. If there is a tie, a sudden-death round is played, with the first player to fail being eliminated until only one remains.
Alternative rules and variations
One of the great aspects of Pass The Bomb is its flexibility, which allows players to tweak the rules to suit different skill levels or preferences. Here are some alternative ways to play:
Pass the Bomb for kids
To make the game more accessible for younger children, consider removing more difficult letter combinations from the deck or creating a custom set of simpler letter cards. This way, kids can still enjoy the game without getting too frustrated by challenging words.
Custom letter cards
Another option is to create your own set of letter cards tailored to the skill level or interests of the group. This can be a fun way to personalise the game and keep it fresh.
Banning prefixes or suffixes
For a more challenging game, you can ban the use of certain prefixes or suffixes, preventing players from simply adding an “-ing” or “-ed” to the end of a word to make it valid.
Word length requirements
Another variation is to require words of a certain length (e.g., 5, 6, or 7 letters), adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Themed rounds
To add variety, consider setting a theme for each round, such as animals, foods, or places. This can help focus the gameplay and introduce a new strategic element.
Get your hands on the explosive fun of Pass The Bomb at Asmodee
Ready to experience the thrill of Pass The Bomb for yourself? Don’t miss out on adding this exciting word game to your collection for you and your family and friends to play.
Find your local game store and bring home the explosive fun, or contact our friendly team for further advice.