MASH, also known as Mansion Apartment Shack House, is a classic pencil and paper game that has been entertaining players for decades. The game is simple to play and requires only a few supplies, making it a great option for road trips, sleepovers, or any time you need a fun activity. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps how to play MASH and have a blast with your friends.
What is MASH and How to Play?
MASH is a game that uses a combination of luck and imagination to predict your future. The game is played by writing down the names of different categories, such as “future spouse,” “future job,” “future car,” etc., and then using a random method, such as spinning a pencil or drawing a folded piece of paper, to determine the order of the categories. Then, for each category, the player writes down a list of possible options, and the game continues until only one option remains in each category. The final result is then read out loud, revealing the player’s predicted future.
Step 1: Gather Supplies
To play MASH, you will need a piece of paper and a writing utensil. It’s also helpful to have a friend to play with, but you can also play solo.
Step 2: Choose Categories
Before starting the game, decide on the categories you want to use. The classic categories are Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House, but you can add as many categories as you like.
Step 3: Create a List
On your piece of paper, write the categories vertically down the left side of the page. Next to each category, write four items. For example, if you’re playing with the classic categories, you might write:
Mansion
- Mansion 1
- Mansion 2
- Mansion 3
- Mansion 4
Apartment
- Apartment 1
- Apartment 2
- Apartment 3
- Apartment 4
Shack
- Shack 1
- Shack 2
- Shack 3
- Shack 4
House
- House 1
- House 2
- House 3
- House 4
Step 4: Spin the Wheel
To determine the number of spins, you’ll use to eliminate items, draw a spiral on the right side of the page. Then, spin a pencil in the center of the spiral until it stops. The number of rotations the pencil makes before stopping is the number of spins you’ll use to eliminate items from the list.
Step 5: Eliminate Items
Starting with the first category, use the number of spins from the wheel to eliminate items from the list. For example, if the wheel stops after two spins, eliminate two items from the first category. Repeat this process for each category.
Step 6: Determine the Outcome
After all items have been eliminated, the last item remaining in each category is the outcome of the game. This is what your future holds according to MASH!
Tips for Making the Game More Exciting:
- Add New Categories: To make the game more exciting, you can add new categories, such as “future vacation spot,” “future number of children,” or “future house type.”
- Use Random Methods: To add an element of surprise, you can use different random methods, such as spinning a pencil, drawing a folded piece of paper, or rolling a die.
- Get Creative with Options: To make the game more fun, you can get creative with the options you choose. For example, instead of writing down names of people you know, you could write down names of fictional characters or celebrities.
- Play with Friends or Family Members: Playing with friends or family members adds to the excitement of the game, as everyone can share their predicted future and have a good laugh.
Variations of MASH
While the classic version of MASH is a lot of fun, there are also many variations of the game that you can try. Here are a few:
MASH with Additional Categories
You can add as many categories to the game as you like. Some popular categories include type of car, type of job, number of children, and location.
MASH with Friends
Playing MASH with friends can make the game even more fun. Take turns spinning the wheel and predicting each other’s futures.
MASH with Different Outcome Categories
Instead of predicting your future living arrangement, you can use MASH to predict other outcomes, such as who you’ll marry, where you’ll travel, or what you’ll do for a living.