How to Play Bass-Ack-Words

Bass-Ack-Words is simple to pick up and surprisingly hard to put down. Here's everything you need to know — the core rule, the timer, scoring, hints, the mini-games, and how to spend the cash you earn.

The one rule that matters

You're shown a definition — a short clue for a hidden word. After about three seconds, you have to spell that word out backwards and submit it before the timer runs out. That's the whole game — and it's harder than it sounds, because your eyes desperately want to read left-to-right.

The timer

Every round is against the clock. The definition appears, you get a few seconds to land on the word, and then the spelling countdown begins — so you can't sit and stare, you have to commit. Submitting a correct answer quickly is the heart of a good run. If the clock hits zero before you submit a correct backwards spelling, the round ain't over but you get no money!

Words get longer

The game starts gentle with short four-letter words to warm up your backwards-spelling muscles. As you keep clearing words, they grow — five letters, six, seven, and beyond. By the time you're reversing long words under pressure, you'll understand why folks in the Holler say it'll "turn your brain bass-ackwards."

Scoring

Correct answers earn you cash, if finished in a timely manner. At a certain time interval there is no money to be earned but you can still finish the round. Survive and advance!

Hints

Stuck on a tough one? You get up to three hints per word — but each hint you use subtracts from the cash that word can earn. Use them sparingly: they're a lifeline for the gnarly long words in the later levels, not a crutch for every round. Spend all three to survive a brutal word when you have to — just know it'll trim that round's payout.

The mini-games

Between spelling rounds visit the barn (click PAUSE) and play fast bonus mini-games that pay out extra cash. They're a change of pace from reversing words and a great way to pad your bank before heading to the General Store. Score well and you may unlock a surprise or two.

Spending your winnings

All that cash isn't just for bragging rights. Around Haybell Holler you can:

• Visit the Garage — buy rides for your donkey: a tractor, a truck, a car, a motorcycle, even a UFO. Your donkey actually saddles up on whatever you own.
• Hit the Clothing Shop — dress your donkey in a dozen outfits, from '70s groove to caveman chic, and the look carries through the game.
• Fill the Money Jar — the barn jar fills as you earn; click it and a sign tells you whether you're broke or loaded.

Saving progress & leaderboards

The game remembers which words you've already seen so it won't repeat them on you. Create a free account and your scores climb five separate leaderboards — lifetime cash, best single game, both mini-games, and your top level reached. No account is needed to just play; it's only there if you want to compete.