Cover Word or Little Max?
Both games come with Gather. Here’s how they differ and when each one fits better.
The key differences
- From 9 players on, only Cover Word works: it goes up to 12 players, Little Max only up to 8.
- Cover Word needs a TV, or an iPad or Mac as the table; Little Max also runs on phones alone.
- Cover Word needs at least 4 players – with fewer people, only Little Max works.
- Only Little Max can be played against the computer – Cover Word needs real players.
- Cover Word is played in teams; in Little Max everyone plays for themselves.
- Cover Word rewards skill more than Little Max (mostly skill vs. skill and luck).
- Little Max involves bluffing, Cover Word doesn’t.
- Little Max is over sooner: usually 10–20 minutes, while Cover Word takes 15–30 minutes.
At a glance
| At a glance | Cover Word | Little Max |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Party games | Board and dice games |
| Players | 4–12 players | 2–8 players |
| Length of a game | 15–30 min | 10–20 min |
| Age | ages 10+ | ages 10+ |
| Luck or skill | mostly skill | skill and luck |
| Noise level | loud | loud |
| Learning curve | quick to learn | quick to learn |
| Interaction | constant debate | constant debate |
| TV | needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | no | yes |
| Teams | yes | no |
| Bluffing | no | yes |
| Reading needed | yes | no |
Which one suits you?
Cover Word
Two teams, 25 words on the TV, and only the clue givers know which belong to whom. One word and one number have to steer their team to several cards – and away from the trap.
Pick Cover Word when there are at least four of you and you enjoy lateral thinking.
Little Max
Roll, peek, announce – and feel free to lie. The next player believes you or calls your bluff, and whoever’s wrong loses a life. The dice live on your phone, so no cup and no cheating.
Pick Little Max when you’re a sociable bunch who likes putting on a poker face.
What they have in common
- Both work for 4–8 players.
- In both, everyone has secret information on their own phone.
- Both work from age 10.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.