Composio is a word-building game where players take turns thinking of words and placing markers on letters. Each new word must incorporate previously marked letters while adding at least one new letter to the board. Players score points by strategically placing markers and creating words that are hard for opponents to build upon. The game is accessible at various vocabulary levels.
Components
1 game board with the alphabet displayed
Letter markers/stones
Score tracking mechanism
Setup
Place the board with the alphabet visible in the center.
Give each player a supply of markers.
Determine a starting player.
Turn Structure
On your turn:
Think of a word that contains all previously marked letters plus at least one new letter.
Place a marker on the new letter(s) you are adding.
Announce your word to the group.
Play passes to the next player.
Actions
Think of a Word
You must think of a valid word that includes every letter currently marked on the board, plus at least one additional letter.
The first player simply thinks of any word and marks one of its letters.
Place Markers
Place a marker on each new letter your word introduces.
Previously marked letters remain on the board; you are extending the set of required letters.
Challenge
Other players may challenge your word if they believe it is not a valid word.
If the challenge is upheld (word is invalid), you lose your turn or receive a penalty.
If the challenge fails (word is valid), the challenger may receive a penalty.
Unable to Play
If you cannot think of a valid word using all marked letters, you are eliminated from the round or lose points.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
Players score points based on how many rounds they survive and how many letters they successfully add.
The game continues until only one player can still form valid words, or a set number of rounds is completed.
The player with the most points across all rounds wins.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
Words must be common dictionary words (proper nouns and abbreviations typically not allowed).
The game can be adapted to different languages, though it was originally designed for French.
As more letters are marked, finding valid words becomes increasingly difficult, creating natural escalation.
House rules may adjust which dictionaries or word lists are accepted.
The game rewards broad vocabulary knowledge and creative word-finding.
Player Reference
Turn Action
Think of a word with all marked letters + 1 new letter