SEVER: Master Edition

A two-player word strategy game of connection, control, and collapse.

BUILD. HIJACK. SEVER. CROSS.

SEVER is a competitive word game where every letter is also a piece of territory.

Players begin on opposite sides of a 15×15 board and build connected networks of words toward one another. Extend existing words, create unstable Co-Words, Hijack enemy letters, collapse entire structures, and race to complete a path from your Home Row to your opponent’s.

Vocabulary gives you options. Positioning decides the game.

How It Works

Each player begins with seven double-sided letter cards.

One side represents White ownership. The other represents Black ownership.

On your turn, play a valid word that connects to your existing network, called your Central Vine. Every card you own must remain connected back to your Home Row.

When you use an opponent-owned card in a newly formed word of three or more letters, you Hijack it by flipping the card to your side.

That flip may Puncture an existing word and cause it to collapse.

A single well-placed word can cut off an entire branch.

Core Mechanics

Build

Play valid words and extend your Central Vine across the board.

Extend

Add letters to existing words without automatically changing ownership.

Create Co-Words

Words may contain cards owned by both players. These shared structures remain stable until a legal Hijack occurs.

Hijack

Use an opponent-owned card in a newly formed word of at least three letters and flip it to your side.

Puncture

A Hijacked card can puncture every word unit containing it.

Collapse

A punctured word collapses as a whole, except for newly placed cards, newly Hijacked cards, and protected intersections.

Trigger Domino Collapses

When a key connection disappears, every downstream word that loses its path back to the Home Row may collapse with it.

Cross

The first player to connect their Home Row to the opposite Home Row completes a Crossing.

The Final Counter

White plays first, so Black receives one final chance if White crosses first.

White’s Crossing is locked.

Black takes one final normal turn.

If Black also crosses, the game ends in a draw.

If Black fails, White wins.

If Black crosses first during normal play, Black wins immediately.

What Makes SEVER Different

Most word games ask:

What is the highest-scoring word you can make?

SEVER asks:

Where should that word go?

A short word can protect a bottleneck.

An extension can create a dangerous Co-Word.

A single Hijack can destroy an entire branch.

One flipped letter can change the whole board.

SEVER rewards vocabulary, but it is ultimately a game of timing, structure, and positional control.

Game Information

• Players: 2
• Board: 15×15
• Rack size: 7 cards
• Turn limit: 90 seconds
• Play time: Variable
• Genre: Word game / abstract strategy
• Format: Print-and-play
• Edition: Master Edition, Version 2

Included in the Version 2 Download

The main release package includes:

• SEVER Master Edition Rulebook
• two-page printable board
• compact double-sided letter cards
• long-edge and short-edge duplex-print options
• Quick Reference sheet
• illustrated Board Case Examples
• tile distribution sheet
• duplex printer test
• playtest record
• Read Me First guide

A separate large-format package is also available with:

• a four-page 15×15 board
• 1-inch board spaces
• larger 0.92-inch double-sided letter cards
• assembly guide
• all Version 2 support files

What You Need

• A printer
• Cardstock
• Scissors or a paper cutter
• Tape for board assembly
• Two card racks
• An opaque bag or container
• A 90-second timer
• An agreed English word-game dictionary

No separate ownership markers are required. Square tiles optional (but helpful). An old 15x15 board works well too. 

Each letter card is double-sided. Flip it whenever ownership changes.

Printing Options

Compact Edition

Designed for the two-page board.

• board spaces: approximately 0.62 inches
• letter cards: approximately 0.58 inches
• easiest version for home printing and storage

Large Edition

Designed for easier handling and clearer table presence.

• finished board: approximately 15×15 inches
• board spaces: 1 inch
• letter cards: approximately 0.92 inches

Print all components at 100% scale or Actual Size.

Do not use “Fit to Page.”

Current Status

SEVER is available as a public playtest release.

The core rules are complete, but continued feedback is welcome, especially about:

• balance between White and Black
• Final Counter frequency
• Whole-Word Collapse clarity
• unusual Co-Word interactions
• game length
• memorable Hijacks and Domino Collapses

Feedback

When playtesting, please note:

• winner
• number of turns
• whether White triggered a Final Counter
• whether Black forced a draw
• largest Collapse
• any unclear rules interaction

Final Question

Can you build a path before your opponent severs it?