This new and interesting game can be played in several ways, and can be
used also in connection with other old games, to which it lends a new
charm. Any number of players can join, each one of whom tells the
initials of his or her name, which the others can write on a slip of
paper if they do not prefer trusting to memory. Each player invents an
initial sentence, using the letters of one of the names. This sentence
may be humorous or sensible, complimentary or the reverse, and can
sometimes be made to fit exceedingly well. As specimens, a few impromptu
sentences are given on the actual names of some of the original players:
Easter Eggs, Exquisite Elegance, Fairy Prince, Fried Pork, Willful
Negligence, What Nonsense, Serene Truth Triumphs, Saucy Tell-Tale,
Goodness Brings Blessings. When all have prepared one or more sentences,
the leader begins by addressing any person he pleases with a remark
formed upon his initials, and each of the other players follows his
example, also using the same letters. This attack is kept up
indiscriminately on the person addressed by the leader, until he can
answer the person who last addressed him before another of the players
can say another sentence in the letters of his name, in which case the
others all turn their remarks on the one who has been thus caught. The
game then goes merrily on, as shouts of laughter always follow the quick
conceits which are sure to be inspired by the excitement of the game. As
a specimen of the way in which it can be applied to an old game, "Twirl
the Platter" has a new interest when the players are called out by
initial sentences, as the effort to discover one's own name in some
obscure remark made by the twirler, in order to catch the platter before
it ceases to spin, keeps every player on the alert.