“IT.”
Many of the games with which we are familiar in the United States are
well known throughout Great Britain and on the Continent. But among the
most amusing and most popular of English games is one of which we know
little or nothing. It is dignified by the two-lettered name, “It.”
This is altogether suitable for the parlor, and may be played by
everybody if we will except the very young people. It creates roars
of laughter, on account of the funny mistakes made by the questioners.
“It” is a great mystery, and the longer it is played the greater
mystery often it becomes. Only those understanding this game may remain
in the room. All others must leave; there is no alternative. One of the
party, unfamiliar with the game, is then selected to return, and must,
by questioning those in the parlor, learn what “it” is. When he knows
“it,” he too must remain behind, and some one else is selected to fill
his place. In this way the game is carried on, until each one in turn
comes in and finds out the secret.
“It” is really the person who sits at your left, but, before this is
discovered, usually much amusement is made. The game is played in the
following way:
All in the parlor must sit in a circle, and must not change their
positions. When the player is called in, he is told to ask a question
of whomsoever he may please, and the person must correctly answer. For
example—“Is ‘it’ white?” As everybody present is white, the answer is
necessarily “Yes.”
The questioner then asks another person. “Is ‘it’ thin?” and if the
person thus questioned is thin, the answer is again, “Yes.” Perhaps
this question may be repeated, and some one else is asked, “Do you also
think ‘it’ is thin?” and if this person has someone for a left-hand
neighbor who is very stout, of course he answers, “No.”
And thus the questioner is mystified, and must continue question after
question. For a long time he may think “it” is a thing. Therefore a
good question to put would be, “Is ‘it’ alive?” And then he might ask,
“Is ‘it’ in this room?” Then he might try complexion, and again would
be mystified, for if he asked, “Is ‘it’ a brunette?” and the reply
being “Yes,” his next question, “Has ‘it’ dark eyes?” would perhaps
have for answer, “No,” and, “Has ‘it’ light hair?” “Yes.” And so the
secret seems harder than ever.
A good way is to ask the same questions over and over, and try to
locate “it” in that way. But the questioner should not easily be
discouraged. A few points may be given to him, such as some of the
above. The players would better announce “It” as a trick game.