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Etiquette Defined
Gladstone's Guidelines for Optional Dictionary Use
The games included in Gladstone's Games To Go are specifically designed to require a minimum of equipment and to allow for a maximum of fun and playfulness. But, for better and for worse, there will always be those who play to win, and when it comes to word games, hardcore players are apt to demand an additional piece of gear: a dictionary.
A dictionary can, indeed, come in useful for making judgements in games such as Bongo, Gravilex, and Saint Mark's. Just remember that inventiveness, liberal leeway, and mutual assistance among players are in keeping with the spirit of the book! It's not called Gladstone's Cutthroat Competitions.
If you'd like to allow the use of a dictionary for verification in word games, some basic guidelines and etiquette will help minimize disputes:
Players should agree on a single official dictionary before the game begins. If you're playing on the road, it might be a pocket-sized basic reference or a digital PDA file with limited vocabulary. If you're playing in a bookstore café, it could be a whopping Webster's conveniently borrowed from the shelf. And if you've got a laptop handy it might be the unabridged Oxford English Dictionary online. Any of these is fine, but it must be designated before play starts. The contents of the selected dictionary will determine all rulings: It doesn't matter whether you're positive a word is in the English language.all that matters is whether its in this dictionary!
No browsing for words! Players may only crack the dictionary when a word they have used is challenged, not to trawl for playable vocabulary.
In cases of "I'm sure I've seen this word, but I don't know what it means," the dictionary can be used only after a word has been played. In some games, such as Bongo and Downhill Racer words found to be erroneous are simply eliminated without incurring a penalty. In challenge games such as Ghost and Saint Mark's there is a higher risk in playing uncertain words, because players can be eliminated for using words not found in the dictionary.
Majority rules...And rules out the dictionary! In games of more than two players, challenged words should be evaluated by the participants before turning to the dictionary. This is particularly relevant in regard to contemporary slang terms. For instance, the word 'doofus' is not found in many dictionaries, but if three out of the five players in your group agree that it's an acceptable term to denote a dimwitted, ungainly person then it can be accepted without need to refer to the dictionary. (Curious players may decide to consult the dictionary after this judgement is made, but the majority decision stands, even if the word is not found).
In code games, never use words you aren't 100% sure how to spell! This is critical when you're the code-maker in a game like Hangman or CodeWord. It's enormously frustrating for an opponent to find out he's been trying to figure out a misspelled word. Spanking is in order.
Use these simple guidelines to help make gameplay relaxed and fun for everyone. And, of course, feel free to make up other rules that suit the temperaments of your group.
If you'd like to share unusual rules or variations for any of Gladstone's Games To Go, feel free to drop a line care of this website (Just click on GO POSTAL) Note: Submissions may be incorporated in this website or future print editions without additional permissions.
