1. This is a postal version of the popular BBC TV show "Richard Osman's House of Games" which features a number of different games in each episode - often a little offbeat or silly.
2. Just like the TV show, in the postal version, there are five rounds and the last one is worth double points. In each postal round there are two games to enter, each containing four questions.
3. Unlike the TV show, in the postal version, you aren't told what the rules are to any of the games! The games are designed by the GM and whilst they may be a bit like the ones on the TV show, the clues should be presented in such a way that players have a chance of deducing the rules. There may also be a clue in the title.
4. The GM should replace "Richard Osman" with his own name. Being call Richard is not a requirement, neither is being tall, but some brain power is required.
5. The game is open to all readers of the zine to have a go at. One point is scored for each correct answer, two on the final round.
6. There are no restrictions on research for this game - Google to your heart's content!
Example - Mouse of Games:
1) The brain of a dying policeman is placed inside a mechanical fish 1987
2) A cyborg time travels to the past in order to plant some flower seeds 1984
3) A cute female pig scores goals for Real Madrid 1995
4) A giant gorilla invades New York. He's not aggressive but smells terrible! 1933
This game is from the TV show but would also work in the postal game because the rules are gettable. No.4 may make you think immediately of King Kong, so it looks like these are film synopses. But in each case the second part is a bit strange. Hopefully you then realize that the synopses work if you change one letter of the title of the original movie giving you Robocod, The Germinator, Bale, and King Pong!
This variant is exactly the same as the standard rules except that each player has the option of devising a game (four questions) and sending it in to the GM. If the GM decides to use the game, the author receives kudos and is guaranteed maximum points when the game is run.
Each player may only have one round actually used in the game, though there is no limit to the number of candidate rounds submitted to the GM.
This is a less cerebral more party-like game in which the GM may use rounds from the TV show, or devise his own, or mix and match, but in each case the rules of the game are known.
Players are expected to make a "seat of the pants" answer (no Googling etc.) so guessing type games such as "I'm Terrible At Dating" are good choices. A little artistic licence may be required, for example with "Distinctly Average" players could be paired with a random partner, and for "Where is Kazakhstan?" a grid could be used so players can order (say) F3.
It is also suggested that the GM does not stick to two rounds of four questions (perhaps three of three) and for games in which the nearest guess wins, consider awarding 2 points for nearest and 1 point for next nearest, or perhahps 1 point for nearest or 2 if exact or very close.
Distinctly Average
I'm Terrible at Dating
Where Is Kazakhstan?
(hex map of USA not shown)