Better Letters is played on a 5 x 5 grid of cards. Set up the game by shuffling the entire deck and dealing out nine cards into a 3 x 3 grid into the middle of the play area. Cards may be placed in any location as long as there are no more than one of each type (color/shape) in a column or row (Sudoku-style). If you are unable to place all nine, discard the duplicates and redraw/refill until the 3x3 grid is complete. Shuffle the personal objective cards and deal out three to each player. Each player will select two to keep and discard the other. These are kept secret from other players. Shuffle the public objective cards and deal out three face-up next to the playing area. Place the three timer cards in order from 1-3 above the public objectives and set the 30-second timer next to them.

Better Letters is played in rounds with all players acting at the same time. Turn over the 2-minute timer to begin the round. Each player’s goal is to form a word(s) by following the restrictions listed on one or multiple cards. You may work from the top, bottom, left or right, in a straight line without skipping any cards and beginning with a card on the edge. Write down your word(s) on your score sheet in the corresponding round box. All players must finish discovering their words before the timer runs out. When the timer expires, everyone makes sure they have one word circled from their list and will be the word they submit for the round.