American magazine columnist, author, lecturer, and playwright, Marilyn vos Savant said: “When our spelling is perfect, it’s invisible. But when it’s flawed, it prompts strong negative associations.” In this game, your spelling, no matter how perfect, will be limited to what random rolls of the dice provide. If you feel lucky and have the vocabulary to back it up, sit down, roll the dice, and guess a word or two. Continue reading
English novelist and essayist, journalist and critic, George Orwell (whose real name is Eric Arthur Blair – fun fact), said: “Language ought to be the joint creation of poets and manual workers.” In this game, players will work together to put together a series of clues – both seen and unseen – to help each player solve their word puzzle. It’s a game that takes communication and teamwork, guessing and deduction, and, most importantly, is specific to each player’s vocabulary skills! Continue reading
American spiritual teacher, author, and philosopher, Vernon Howard, said “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” Very true, and in most situations, I think this approach is valid. But not here. In this game, you desperately need the approval of others and the only way to do that is to think like them. Easy? Not at all because you need to be uniquely the same. Wrap your mind around that! Continue reading
American poet, Robert Frost, said “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Which begs the question what is going on when my youngest says, “Roses are red, violets are blue, I got some gum stuck to my shoe.” Which he did. Poetry, it would seem, can be about anything. Emotional, entertaining, and downright odd. It all works. Which is good because that’s what this game requires. Continue reading
American columnist, Franklin Pierce Adams, said: “Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.” Memory is a funny thing. We think we remember things exactly as they are, but time erodes the details, and new life experiences fill in the gaps making a single memory a composite of memories and assumptions. In this game, memory is key to victory, but you’ll be hard-pressed to remember that when your’e in the heat of gameplay. Continue reading
Sergeant Stryker, in the film Sands of Iwo Jima, says “Life is tough, but it’s tougher if you’re stupid.”So true. For those poor souls who are unfortunate enough to be born without common sense, just walking across the street can be full of trials and tribulations. In this game, the worse off you are, the better you do. Prepare to laugh, as stupid is as stupid does. Continue reading
The English language is difficult to learn because it’s something of a hodgepodge of other languages thrown together, blended, poured into a big cultural glass, and served with a small umbrella. Many words that we consider to be “English” are actually words from other languages. In this game, you’ll be asked to create words from small snippets. You’d think that would be easy, but not always. Continue reading
It has been said that the greatest evil masterminds in history were also really good at Spelling Bees. If such is the case, the government should be carefully watching who wins these contests. In this game, you will spell your way to world domination, leaving your competition in the D – U – S – T. Continue reading
The earliest card game that somewhat resembles today’s deck of cards is Karnöffel, which was played in the 15th century. Since them, cards have found their way into many different games. Cards can be used as markers, values, and even monsters. But the shape of the card has changed little. In this pack of cards, the complete game is contained in a small box no bigger than a package of gum. Chew on that for a moment. Continue reading
American writer and illustrator, Dr. Seuss, said “I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.” Which is to say, when we are confronted with a puzzle or situation where we are forced to think differently then what we are used to, our mental state expands. We grow through creative activities that challenge us to ponder, question, and conclude in new ways. In this game, answers will com easy to a creative mind. Continue reading
English novelist Algernon Blackwood said, “And so with all things: names were vital and important.” Many societies see titles and names as significant aspects of everyday life. They are used to communicate public status, wealth, and prestige. They are also used to slander, belittle, and besmirch. In this game, players will attempt to complete a title that would befit royalty, while opponents seek to make them paupers at every turn. Continue reading
How we perceive the world around us is not the same as the person to the left or right of us. Life experience, mood, education, geographic location, and a hundred or more other aspects of what makes up the “human experience” merge to create the borders of our perception. In this game, you are asked to do two very simple things. First, identify three words. Second, determine which of the three words do not belong and why. Sound simple? It isn’t. Prepare to be separated from your comfort zone. Continue reading
