Wordlock: Word Duel

Wordlock is a two-player word game inspired by the old pen-and-paper game Ghost, except you play it backwards.

You and a friend choose a category, then take turns adding one letter to the end of a growing string. The catch? You don't want to be the person who completes a real word.

It's basically a game of chicken with letters. You need to know your words, but you also need to figure out what the other person is trying to do.

HOW A ROUND WORKS

Pick a category. Choose from categories like Animals, Plants, and Countries, or make up your own.

Take turns. Each player adds one letter to the end of the text. As it gets longer, you start to wonder whether the other player is setting you up.

Think you've spotted a word? Call it. Instead of adding another letter, you can tap Settle round. If the other player agrees, the round goes to the person who didn't add the final letter.

But if they think you're bluffing and choose to play on, you still have to add a letter. And now they know you've noticed something.

Got nowhere to go? Concede. If you can't think of a move, you can give up the round. Your opponent gets the point and you start the next round fresh.

GOOD FOR

Playing with your partner while you're waiting in a queue.

Killing time with a friend who's in a different time zone.

Long car rides.

Waiting rooms.

Or settling the age-old question of who is actually better with words.