This is a rattling good game for several players. First, give each
person a sheet of paper and a pencil. On the paper, a large square has
to be drawn, such as is used for crossword puzzles. Each side of the
square is divided into six equal portions, and lines are drawn from
side to side and from top to bottom. The figure is now a large square,
divided into thirty-six small squares--six along any horizontal or
vertical row.
[Illustration: No. 35.--The Square required for this game.]
The next thing is to exhibit a card on which is printed the following
signs of the Zodiac:
_ARIES_
_CANCER_
_TAURUS_
_VIRGO_
_PISCES_
_GEMINI_
_LIBRA_
The card is so placed that the players can see the names and refer to
them during the game.
When play starts, the first person chooses any letter he likes, but
will probably select one which helps to spell one of the words set
out above. He calls out the letter and all the players put it in one
of the squares on their paper. That done, the next person selects any
letter he chooses, and, on calling it out, all the players put it in
another of the squares. The third person does similarly, and so do all
the other players, until the game is stopped by someone or until all
the thirty-six squares are filled.
The aim of each player is to be the first to spell in consecutive
squares, either horizontally or vertically, one of the names of the
signs, as given on the card. And, naturally, the aim of the other
players is to frustrate their opponents. Obviously, it is forbidden for
one person to look at the attempt of another.
The first player to complete a word cries "stop," and if he is adjudged
correct, he has a wish granted to him.
There is a good deal of skill needed in this game. Suppose the first
competitor selects P as his letter. All the others know he is aiming
for "Pisces" and player No. 2 then calls V. Clearly, he is trying for
"Virgo." So player No. 3 quietly calls A which leaves him free to
work on "Aries," "Cancer," "Taurus" or "Libra." Now, suppose No. 3 is
working for "Aries," in calling, say I, he helps No. 1 to the I of
"Pisces," and so on.