The word-party game where pronunciation beats spelling
Use cards to build words that match prompts. How it sounds matters more than how it's spelled - get creative!
If someone doubts the validity of your word, they'll shout "Say What Now?!" and you must defend it. No phones, no looking things up - group vote decides!
Cards are worth 1-4 points. You announce your predicted score before revealing the word. Highest valid score wins the round!
A hilarious, fast-paced word game where spelling takes a back seat to sound!
Flip 3 vowel cards (green cards) face up on the table for everyone to use.
Flip 1 round card face up. This sets the goal for your word (Category, Question, Construction, or Action).
Use your consonant cards (purple cards) and the vowels on the table to think of a word that matches the round card's goal. Remember: it's how the word sounds, not spelling!
Place your chosen consonant cards face down. Leave the vowels where they are.
When everyone's ready, announce your predicted score (add up all cards: Yellow 1, Blue 2, Red 3, Green 4). This locks in your choice!
Reveal in order from lowest to highest predicted score. Say your word out loud - you might need creative pronunciation!
If you doubt someone's word, shout "Say What Now?!". They must defend it! No phones, no looking things up. If the group deems it valid, the points stand. If not, they're out of this round.
Highest valid score that matches the round card wins! Take the round card. First to 4 round cards (3-4 players) or 3 round cards (5+ players) wins the game!
Pro tip: Creative pronunciation is encouraged!
"KAYF" can be "Keith" with an Australian accent. If the group allows
it, it's valid!
Optional cards to add extra mayhem to your game. We love chaos, but we know it's not for everyone!
Deal 2 Chaos cards to each player at the start. Keep them hidden from opponents. Play one per round to shake things up!
Once played or discarded, Chaos cards are removed from the game and never replaced. Use them wisely (or recklessly)!
Chaos cards take effect immediately unless stated otherwise. If multiple are played, resolve them in the order they were played.
Chaos cards let you mess with other players, steal points, change rules mid-round, and generally cause delightful mayhem. Perfect for groups who love a bit of strategic backstabbing!
Not into chaos? No problem! The game works perfectly without them. Play your way!
Everything you need for pronunciation-based word mayhem
Green cards with vowels - these are shared by all players each round
Purple cards with consonants - your hand of 5 cards to build words
Rainbow cards with categories, questions, and challenges
Optional cards to add extra mayhem (for those who love chaos!)
Optional GameplaySimple, clear instructions with examples
Absolutely not! That's the whole point. This game is about pronunciation, not spelling. If you can say it confidently, you're golden.
It depends on your kids! The game requires creative thinking about phonetics and pronunciation. Players need to be comfortable 'breaking spelling rules' (like using KS to make an X sound) and defending their choices with confidence. Younger players who are still learning standard spelling might find this confusing rather than fun. That said, if you have a particularly clever 8 year old who loves wordplay, they might enjoy it!
Usually 30-45 minutes, but it depends on how much you argue over pronunciations (which is half the fun).
Not really! Most word games test vocabulary or spelling. Say What Now?! is all about confidence, bluffing, and pronunciation. Think party game meets word game.
We're launching on Kickstarter on March 9, 2026! Sign up for our email list to get notified the moment we go live.
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Launches March 9, 2026 • 54 days to go!