Pass the Bomb
- Designer Sylvie Barc , Roger Heyworth , Los Rodriguez , Juan Rodriguez
- Publisher Anvol , AS Company , asmodee , danspil , Gibsons
- Illustration Sylvie Barc , Patrick Fix , G. Husner , Simon Roberts , Juan Rodriguez
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Pass the Bomb, players hold an electronic bomb with a variable timer. You must quickly come up with a word containing a specific letter sequence before the bomb explodes. After saying a valid word, you pass the bomb to the next player. This creates a tense atmosphere where everyone must think fast and react quickly to avoid losing.
Who Is This Game For?
Pass the Bomb is suitable for players aged 12 and up who enjoy fast-paced word and party games. It supports 2 to 10 players and lasts about 20 minutes, making it an accessible party game. No prior experience is needed, focusing on language skills and reaction speed.
How It Works
The game uses a hot potato mechanic with an electronic timer that starts ticking when a button is pressed. Players take turns saying words containing a letter sequence determined by dice rolling. The bomb is passed after a valid word, and whoever holds it when it explodes loses a life.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Juan Rodriguez, Pass the Bomb won the Årets Spil Best Family Game award in 1996. It uniquely combines the hot potato mechanic with word play and an electronic timer. Part of the Pass the Bomb family, it’s known for simple, fast gameplay suitable for larger groups.
Awards
1998
- 2017 Årets Spill Best Party Game — Nominated
- 1996 Årets Spil Best Family Game — Winner
Pro
- Short playtime of about 20 minutes
- Supports up to 10 players
- Combines hot potato and word game mechanics
- Winner of Årets Spil Best Family Game 1996
Contra
- Not suitable for very young children (12+ recommended)
- Requires quick reactions and vocabulary skills
- More a party game than a deep strategy game
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game has no specific theme; it focuses on language and reaction time. The tension comes from the electronic bomb timer and the race to find words.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on simple words and don’t let the ticking sound stress you – practice improves speed.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Pass the Bomb requires at least 2 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 20 minutes, making it suitable for short sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
No special prior experience is needed, but good language skills and quick reflexes help.
How does this compare to similar games?
Pass the Bomb uniquely combines an electronic hot potato timer with word play, unlike pure word or hot potato games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it’s an accessible family party game for ages 12 and up.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hot potato and dice rolling creates fast-paced tension.
Fazit
Pass the Bomb is recommended for anyone who enjoys quick, social word games under time pressure. It's especially good for larger groups and short game sessions.
