That's Pretty Clever vs Twice as Clever: Which to Buy First
By Asmodee – Asmodee USA | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Buying Guides
Compare That's Pretty Clever and Twice as Clever to decide which roll-and-write to buy first, based on dice flow, scoring depth, and family play.
Quick answer
Buy That's Pretty Clever first if you want the simplest entry into the Clever roll-and-write series, especially for family play. Choose Twice as Clever first only if your group already enjoys chaining dice combos and wants a more layered standalone sequel.
Why the first Clever game is usually the better starting point
That's Pretty Clever introduces the core loop with fewer moving parts: roll dice, choose one, and mark the matching color. That lower overhead makes it easier to teach across ages and to get to the table quickly. Twice as Clever adds a white joker die and a multi-step reroll sequence, which rewards players who already understand the basic rhythm but can slow down a first-timer.
The trade-off: Twice as Clever is a standalone, not an expansion
Twice as Clever is a complete game on its own, not an expansion that requires That's Pretty Clever. That matters if you are deciding between them: you do not need both to start, and owning the first does not unlock the second. The practical trade-off is that Twice as Clever assumes more comfort with dice sequencing, so it works best as a second step or for players who already like combo-heavy roll-and-writes.
When family play should push you toward the original
For a mixed-age family table, the original's simpler turn structure and shared score sheet keep everyone involved without long rules explanations. Twice as Clever's joker die and set-aside dice give more decisions, but those extra choices can create downtime and confusion for younger or less experienced players. If your group values fast, low-friction turns over deeper scoring puzzles, start with That's Pretty Clever.
Decision rules for choosing your first Clever game
- If you are teaching new or younger players: Choose That's Pretty Clever first because its turn structure is simpler and easier to explain.
- If your group already plays roll-and-writes often: Choose Twice as Clever first for the joker die and layered reroll decisions.
- If you want a complete game, not an expansion: Either title works on its own; Twice as Clever does not require That's Pretty Clever.
- If you want the lowest-friction family option: Pick That's Pretty Clever and save Twice as Clever for a later purchase once the group knows the core loop.
Product facts
- That's Pretty Clever: Includes 1 score pad, 6 dice, and 4 felt-tip pens. The included pens and pad mean you can play immediately without buying extra components.
That's Pretty Clever - Twice as Clever: The white die acts as a joker usable as any of the other five colors. That flexibility adds combo options but also more decisions per turn, which suits players ready for extra depth.
Twice as Clever
Which Clever game fits your table?
Best for
- Families and mixed-age groups new to roll-and-write games
- Players who want a quick, easy-to-teach first Clever title
Not for
- Groups that already want joker dice and deeper combo chains from the first game
- Players looking for an expansion rather than a standalone game
