This review is perhaps a bit off-brand, in that Q-Less isn’t exactly a traditional game. It’s a solo word challenge with no time limit and no real “win” condition beyond the satisfaction of completing its goal.
So what is that goal?
Inside a peppermint-tin-sized box, you’ll find twelve six-sided dice, each face showing a letter. You roll all twelve dice and then attempt to create connected words—Scrabble-style—using every single letter. Words must contain at least three letters. The rules note that not every roll is solvable (I once rolled only one vowel—not promising), but most puzzles can be worked out. And thankfully, there’s no dreaded “Q” die.
With no time pressure, you can ponder a roll as long as your patience allows.
Designed by Tom Sturdevant and published by Grand Isle Games, Q-Less dates back to 2018, according to BoardGameGeek. The concept isn’t exactly new. Scribbage, released in 1963 by E.S. Lowe, used the same idea but as a competitive two-player game with scoring and a sand timer. It later resurfaced as Ad-Lib Crossword Cubes. Even earlier, the 1956 game Spill and Spell used word-forming dice with a point-scoring system based on squaring the length of each word.
What gives Q-Less merit isn’t innovation—it’s accessibility. Unlike its predecessors, which now mostly turn up in thrift stores and online auctions, you can pick up Q-Less easily at qlessgame.com.
The presentation is excellent: the dice are a satisfying size, and the tin is compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag. And while my skill admittedly needs practice, the game is surprisingly addictive. Some rolls invite deep concentration to use all twelve letters; others lead to a quick surrender and a fresh attempt. Either way, it’s a perfect little time filler—ideal with a cup of coffee or during commercial breaks while watching a game.
Q-Less is well worth considering as a stocking stuffer, especially for someone tough to shop for.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
Solo Word Game a Fine Time Filler
So what is that goal?
Inside a peppermint-tin-sized box, you’ll find twelve six-sided dice, each face showing a letter. You roll all twelve dice and then attempt to create connected words—Scrabble-style—using every single letter. Words must contain at least three letters. The rules note that not every roll is solvable (I once rolled only one vowel—not promising), but most puzzles can be worked out. And thankfully, there’s no dreaded “Q” die.
With no time pressure, you can ponder a roll as long as your patience allows.
Designed by Tom Sturdevant and published by Grand Isle Games, Q-Less dates back to 2018, according to BoardGameGeek. The concept isn’t exactly new. Scribbage, released in 1963 by E.S. Lowe, used the same idea but as a competitive two-player game with scoring and a sand timer. It later resurfaced as Ad-Lib Crossword Cubes. Even earlier, the 1956 game Spill and Spell used word-forming dice with a point-scoring system based on squaring the length of each word.
What gives Q-Less merit isn’t innovation—it’s accessibility. Unlike its predecessors, which now mostly turn up in thrift stores and online auctions, you can pick up Q-Less easily at qlessgame.com.
The presentation is excellent: the dice are a satisfying size, and the tin is compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag. And while my skill admittedly needs practice, the game is surprisingly addictive. Some rolls invite deep concentration to use all twelve letters; others lead to a quick surrender and a fresh attempt. Either way, it’s a perfect little time filler—ideal with a cup of coffee or during commercial breaks while watching a game.
Q-Less is well worth considering as a stocking stuffer, especially for someone tough to shop for.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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