Wisdom:

Sample Game: P1: It's your fault. P2: No, it's your fault, because you made the call. P1:  I may have made the call, yes, but I used your phone. P2:  The red phone?  You mean one your sister bought for me last Tuesday? That phone?  She bought it, it's your fault. P1: Oh yes, I remember that.  I had forgotten she bought that for you.  She originally had bought you a pen for your birthday, but when you gave her that Sony Playstation 2 for her baptism, she felt the pen would be embarrassing, and she asked your Mother for ideas.  Your mother suggested the phone.  Its your fault. P2:  I can see you how you'd think that, but my mother only knew it was a good gift idea because of you.  It's your fault because you smashed my old phone while my mom was watching.  I still can't believe you did that. P1: Its your fault dude!  How can you not remember the whole story buddy?  Your mother only came to the window in the first place because you started screaming at full volume; "Mommy Mommy Mommy!" when you stubbed your toe. P2: Yeah, on the skateboard you made.  It's your fault. P1: Out of wood you cut down. It's your fault. P2: From trees on your grandfather's property.  It's your fault. P1: Which he bought from your mother's real estate office.  It's your fault. P2: She got her license at your Dad's school.  It's your fault. P1: Ah.  I am shocked you'd use that defense.  Its obviously still your fault, because it was your Uncle Sylvester that built that school when he was only 26.  It was in all the papers. P2: On land he bought from ---- Buzzzz... Loss.  Game 1 goes to Player 1.  Land ownership was used already.   Stop Hiccuping

IT'S YOUR FAULT
THE CREATIVE THINKING GAME
THE INSTANT MESSENGER GAME
By Jeff Goebel
(and some guy named Mitchell Sheppard.)

This game is a logical thinking game.  
Easy to begin, but nearly impossible to end.

Pass blame on the opponent, or the opponent's family heritage.

WELCOME TRILLIAN USERS!
FEEL FREE TO START A GAME WITH ME

GAME PLAY

The game takes the lines of an argument.  Whomever is elected to go first, simply says "It's your fault" to start the game.  From this point, each new turn must creatively fictionalize a reason why it is in fact, NOT your fault, and pass the blame.  The game continues forever, or until one player gives up, or breaks a rule.

HISTORY

Invented by two school children on the morning bus ride over the course of a few years.  I no longer have the slightest idea where Mitchell Sheppard is, or if he'd even remember this silly little pastime, but I have always loved this game, and I've kept it alive all these years.  Although it was conceived as a verbal thinking game, it lends itself perfectly to the new technologies of the Internet, and can be used via email, ICQ, Instant messenger, chat rooms or even discussion forums.  If you like "It's Your Fault", please please please tell me, and try to always remember where you learned it.  Check out the sample games online at http://frogstar.com/fault

RULES

Nobody can ever discuss or disclose the event itself.  You must never say what it is that you're talking about.

Every turn MUST include the statement "It's your fault" somewhere.  This is the most common slipup, so some players choose not to enforce this option as a game ending rule.  Also, variations may be accepted as long as the word "fault" is used.

Everything said within a turn is considered to be fact, and can not be disputed.  You can not suddenly remember a different story or excuse.  Nothing can ever contradict any point made.  This is considered a loss.  If you are told you to blame because you chose the paint, then this is true.  You can not answer with "No I didn't."

During game play, blame must always be passed to the opposing player, or their family heritage.  Players are free to fictionalize any family member as required, and these must not be apposed.   If player one says player two has a 6 year old sister, then this becomes canon for the game.  Player two can not say; "I don't have a sister".

Families can never cross.  No inter-family marriages are allowed.  The game is based on blame being certain, not wishy-washy.

No adoption of any kind.

Every turn must include only stories that "could" actually happen within the rules of our known universe.  Nothing nonsensical can be introduced into the story.  Science is the law.

Although blame may quickly jump to generations of "great great great" grandparents, the time-line is also a priority.  It is unlikely your brother was alive at the same time of your great great great great uncle.  Breaking logical timelines is considered a loss.  At some point however, it may be worthwhile to just start using terms like "his uncle" rather than continually remembering how many levels of "great" an uncle may be.

Each new turn must be directly related to the previous statement.  You can not start a new thought, without specifically linking to the previous turn.  Most new turns will go backwards in time.

No family can own utility companies.

No religion.  No son of God or God references.

You can't say "you told me to" or use "told me to" as an easy out.

No single conceptual idea may be re-used.  This includes concepts such as property ownership, company ownership, etc.  The rule is self governed, so each player must be happy with any decisions, or the turn is cancelled.  If you choose, disputes over this rule can be nullified without ending the game.  The player may simply choose another route, and change their story.

Be as creative as you like, but do not include more than one new thought per turn.  No need to offer fantastic details that could be used against you.  Shorter answers are better.

NEW SAMPLE GAMES
I have just started saving the games people play with me via ICQ, MSN, AOL or other IM chat tools.  Some of the better ones will be presented here.  If you challenge me, and our game lasts 10 turns or more, I'll include it here.

• Game 1
• Game 2
• Game 3

 
GAME IDEAS

"It's Your Fault" is a great game for computer chat rooms, ICQ, or other Instant Messengers.  You can play with people at work, or at home, or both.  Near, far, friends, strangers.  I'm always looking for a new challenge.

We're also starting an IT'S YOUR FAULT Network, so if you play the game, let me know.  You can get on our scoreboard and accept challenges from other players around the world.

  [AIM: frogstar42] 
  [MSM-info@frogstar.com] 
  [ICQ: 9729896]   
  [Yahoo: frogstar42]

[GoogleTalk: frogstar42@gmail.com ]