Q-Less (game)
 Components of Q-Less | |
| Designers | Tom Sturdevant |
|---|---|
| Players | 1 |
| Website | https://qlessgame.com/ |
Q-Less is a single-player word puzzle game in which the player rolls 12 dice and uses the resulting letters to form connected words in a crossword-style arrangement.[1][2] It was invented by game designer Tom Sturdevant.[1][3] Its name comes from the omission of the letter Q from the dice.[2][3]
Gameplay
[edit]According to the game's official rules, the player rolls the dice and attempts to use all 12 letters to make words that connect.[1] Words must be at least three letters long, proper nouns and names are not allowed, and there is no time limit or scoring.[1] Most rolls can be solved, but not all; the player must roll again if no solution can be found.[1][2]
History
[edit]In an interview, inventor Tom Sturdevant said the idea for a solitaire word game played with dice came to him during a road trip in the early 2000s.[3] He began prototyping the game by using press-on letters on blank dice.[3] To make the gameplay smoother, the letter Q was removed, which also informed the game's name.[1][3] The game was released in 2018.[1]
Reception
[edit]Writing for Geeks Under Grace, Spencer Patterson described Q-Less as an "enjoyable challenge" and recommended it as a portable word puzzle.[2] Cathy Duffy Reviews described the game as a simple activity that reinforces spelling and vocabulary skills.[4] The game and its inventor have been featured in local television coverage, including a WSMV segment demonstrating how to play the game.[5] Sturdevant has also been interviewed on the board game podcast Thespokentoken.[6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Q-Less | The Crossword Solitaire Game". Q-Less. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- 1 2 3 4 Patterson, Spencer (2022-11-12). "Review – Q-Less". Geeks Under Grace. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Papadatos, Markos (2024-10-23). "Chatting with Tom Sturdevant: Inventor of the game Q-Less". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ↑ "Q-Less Crossword Solitaire Dice Game". Cathy Duffy Reviews. 2025-05-01. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ↑ Q-Less Inventor Shares How to Play Crossword Solitaire Game. 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2026-02-07 – via www.wsmv.com.
- ↑ "Thespokentoken's podcast: Episode 119 Special Interview with Tom Sturdevant". thespokentoken.libsyn.com. Retrieved 2026-02-07.