Overview

RSVP (also known as RSVP: Vertical Crossword Game) is a three-dimensional word game for two players, produced by the makers of Scrabble. Players build words on opposite sides of an upright vertical game board by placing letter blocks. The unique twist is that placing a block on your side simultaneously blocks potential word formations on your opponent’s side, creating a dual layer of strategy: forming your own words while disrupting your opponent’s.

Components

• 1 upright vertical game board with grid slots (playable from both sides)
• 2 stand bases to hold the board upright
• Letter blocks (cubes with letters on each face)
• Score pad
• Letter distribution reference

Setup

1. Assemble the vertical game board by attaching it to the two stand bases.
2. Place the board upright between the two players so each player faces one side.
3. Mix all letter blocks and place them in a common pool face-down or in a bag.
4. Each player draws a starting hand of letter blocks.
5. Determine who goes first.

Turn Structure

On each turn:

1. Place a Block: Insert one or more letter blocks into the vertical grid on your side of the board, forming a valid word (horizontally or vertically).
2. Score: Calculate points for the word formed (each letter has a point value, similar to Scrabble).
3. Draw: Draw replacement letter blocks from the pool to refill your hand.

Actions

Form Words: Place letter blocks into empty slots on the grid to create valid horizontal or vertical words. Words must read left-to-right or top-to-bottom.

Block Opponent: Every block placed on your side also occupies a position on your opponent’s side. Strategic placement can prevent your opponent from forming words in key locations.

Extend Words: Build upon existing words by adding letters to form longer words, scoring the new word formed.

Challenge: If a player believes an opponent’s word is invalid, they may challenge it (house rules vary on challenge mechanics).

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Players score points for each word formed based on letter values. The game ends when all letter blocks have been placed or no further valid words can be formed.

The player with the highest total score wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Blocks placed on your side physically block positions on your opponent’s side; this dual-board mechanic is the game’s distinguishing feature.
• Words must be valid dictionary words (standard word-game rules apply).
• Gravity affects the vertical board; blocks must rest on supported positions (they cannot float above empty slots).
• Each block has multiple letter faces; the face showing on your side determines your letter, while the opposite face is what your opponent sees.

Player Reference

Turn: Place letter blocks to form words > Score > Draw new blocks.

Win: Highest total score when all blocks are placed.

Key mechanic: Placing blocks on your side blocks positions on the opponent’s side.