WIM is a tile word game invented by Puzzlemaster Roy Leban.
Players compete to score the most points by forming interlocking words in all directions, using square letter tiles, most of which can be used in more than one direction or as more than one letter. Players receive bonuses for using a previously played tile as a letter it wasn't used as previously, for changing the orientation of a word, or for using all seven tiles on their rack in a single play.
Superficially similar to games such as Scrabble, UpWords, and other tile-based word games, WIM is distinguished by its unique game play, which opens up a number of creative avenues for players. The first major distinguishing feature of WIM is the letters on the tiles, which can be read as different letters in a variety of orientations. There are only 19 distinct tiles to make all 26 letters plus the blank. 8 tiles can make two different letters in different orientations (for example, an N tile is also a Z when rotated 90 degrees, or an M tile can be used as a W upside down). 3 additional tiles (O, S, X) are usable as the same letter in more than one orientation.
WIM is intended for players 10 and up who like word games and word puzzles and are looking for something a bit different or a bit more challenging. For 2-4 players, though the 2-player game works particularly well, as is also true for Scrabble, UpWords, etc.
The following images show a sample game from four different directions:
WIM sets are currently hand produced in laser-etched maple wood, so quantities are limited. A set of WIM includes 96 letter tiles, two oversize rule tiles, two tile racks, a rule booklet, and a suedecloth bag which fits everything. Additional racks are available. The list price is $100.
For more information, send email to Roy Leban: roy [at] royleban [dot] com.
Q. Why isn't there a board?
A. The lack of a board makes the game more portable (everything fits in the bag) and allows
games to progress naturally in whatever direction works out.
Interestingly, before they play the game, many people think it
should have a board. After they've played it, they agree it doesn't need a board.
Q. Have you thought about having a turntable to facilitate game play?
A. This is another thing people suggest before they play the game. In practice, a turntable
hinders the game more than it helps it, as it severely limits the playing space. Plus, a single play
can be made which forms words in multiple orientations at the same time, so it helps players to
start seeing that way. In contrast, there is only one correct orientation in Scrabble, so a turntable
can be a real help there.
Q. Aren't all these every-which-way letters confusing? It looks pretty complex.
A. It is true that it looks complex at first glance, but it feels much simpler when it is being
played. With most people, it takes only two or three turns in a single game for them to get the hang of it.
Q. Why don't all the tiles work in multiple orientations? Couldn't you combine the B/E tile with
the M/W tile?
A. It is possible to design letter tiles so that every tile is usable in more than one orientation or as
more than one letter, or so that some tiles could be 3 or 4 letters. In practice, this makes the game
unplayable as it's too wide open. The current balance was achieved through both
experimentation and my own knowledge of letter forms and usage.
Q. Is WIM an ambigram game?
A. No, though it was partially inspired by ambigrams.
Roy has been an ambigrammist for about thirty years and has created hundreds of ambigrams.
It is possible to create some ambigrams with WIM tiles and the WIM logo itself is an ambigram.
Q. How complex are the rules?
A. The rules do have a fair amount of detail, but most of them are well known to people who
play word games (e.g., take turns, agree on a dictionary to verify words). This means that,
essentially, the only rules that need to be remembered are how to score. Not only is that pretty easy
to remember once you've played the game, but the scoring rules and point values are printed on
oversize rule tiles included with the game.
Q. Do people with dyslexia have problems playing the game?
A. So far, no. I have not done extensive research but I have had adults with minor dyslexia
play it without problem. Sometimes they took a bit longer to adjust to the game, but adjustment times
also vary with non-dyslexic people. I would be interested in hearing additional reports either way.
Q. Are there any puzzles based on WIM?
A. As a matter of fact, yes. Try the first WIM Word Search here.
Q. Can I buy in quantity? Can I license WIM?
A. Contact Roy at: roy [at] royleban [dot] com.
WIM and "the every which way word game" are trademarks of Roy Leban.