How to Play MASH
Supported by schoolchildren for decades, this divination game MASH requires nothing but a pencil, paper and a friend. Here’s how to play this little teaming game.
Get out those Trapper Keepers and sharpen your # 2 pencils – it’s a week back to school ! Going far beyond the classroom, we offer you ingenious tricks and ideas on how to get started with your routine, brush up on old skills, or learn something new this fall.
- Write MASH and list your categories: spouse, number of children, job, salary, car and where you live.
- List four or five options for each category, and your friend will pick the last terrible option for each.
- Choose a number from 3 to 10; count as many options, cross out one, and repeat.
- When all but one option in a category is crossed out, circle the remaining option.
- Read your complete state.
There are dozens of variations. Some players lay out their categories in a giant tic-tac-toe grid; some choose their random number by drawing dots or marks. Other categories include pets, honeymoon plans, college majors, partner jobs, and your life expectancy.
Your friend usually writes down your condition for you while you tell them about your choice. The etiquette says that after they complete your fortune, you will return the service.