HUSTLE DUEL Variant

Setup and game play is the same as the standard game of Word Hustle, until the end of Round 1. Duels are played after each Round of play in the standard game. (Three rounds of standard play alternate with three rounds of “duels.”)

In Hustle Duel, players will then pass their personal letter sets to another player, who will then try to outscore them. The player with the higher score wins the duel and bonus points.

1. PASS TILES TO OPPONENT

The player with the lowest score for the previous round will choose which direction all players will pass their personal letter tile sets.

• 2-Player game: exchange personal letter tile sets with each other.

• 3-Player game: the lowest scoring player will declare, "Hustle Duel Left" or "Hustle Duel Right," then all players will pass their letters clockwise or counterclockwise around the table.

• 4-Player game: the lowest scoring player will declare, "Hustle Duel Left," "Hustle Duel Right," or "Hustle Duel Across," then all players will pass their letters in the appropriate direction.

2. BUILD Crosswords

The Hustle Duel is played just like the regular round, but you are trying to outscore your opponent's crossword. You may reuse any of your opponent's words, though that may not be to your advantage. Once a player has flipped the timer and called "Hustle!", you have a minute to finish.

3. Score

All players check all crossword grids for any Unacceptable Words. Challenges are conducted the same as in standard play.

Add up the score for your grid. Compare your score to your opponent's score. The higher score is the winner of the Duel, and is awarded bonus points based on the difference between the two scores.

(Example: Alex scored 20 points with his own letter set. Brandon then scored 18 points with Alex's letter set. Alex wins the Hustle Duel, and adds two bonus points to his score sheet.)                            

4. Pass Tiles Back to Opponent

Pass the borrowed letter sets back to the original owner to continue the next round of standard play.

Credits: Created and written by Cameron McAra. Tested by Lisa McAra, Taylor Gregory and Madison Gregory