How to Be a Great Host in Situation Puzzles
Your guide to creating a fun, fair, and mysterious experience for your players.
Being the host of a Situation Puzzle is a crucial role. You are the storyteller, the judge, and the keeper of secrets. A great host can turn a simple puzzle into an unforgettable experience. This guide will teach you the essential skills to become a master host.
🔑 The Core Responsibilities of a Host
Your primary job is to guide the solvers to the solution without giving it away. This requires a delicate balance of clarity and mystery.
- Know the Solution Inside and Out: Before you start, read the puzzle and its solution carefully. Understand the key events, characters, and objects.
- Answer Truthfully: Your answers must be accurate based on the story.
- Be Consistent: Don't change your answers or the story's details midway through the game.
💬 The Three Magic Answers: "Yes," "No," and "Irrelevant"
When to Say "Yes"
Say "Yes" if the statement is true according to the puzzle's story. Be straightforward. If a player asks, "Was the man over 40 years old?" and the story specify, the correct answer is "Yes."
When to Say "No"
Say "No" if the statement is false. This is simple, but make sure your "No" doesn't accidentally mislead. If a player asks, "Did he die of a heart attack?" and he was shot, "No" is the correct answer.
When to Say "Irrelevant"
This is the most powerful and nuanced answer. Use "Irrelevant" when a question, whether true or false, has no bearing on the core mystery. For example, if the puzzle is about a failed parachute and a player asks, "Was the man wearing a blue shirt?", the color of the shirt is almost certainly irrelevant.
Pro Tip: Using "Irrelevant" effectively steers players away from dead ends and keeps the game focused.
⚠️ Handling Tricky Questions
Players will inevitably ask questions that are not simple yes/no or are based on false assumptions.
- Compound Questions: If a player asks, "Was he at home and was he alone?", ask them to split it into two separate questions.
- Vague Questions: If a question is too broad, like "Was the weather a factor?", you can ask for a more specific question. However, sometimes a "Yes" or "No" to a vague question can be a fun clue in itself.
- Questions with False Premises: If a player asks, "Why did the driver of the car hit him?", but the man wasn't hit by a car, you can say the question is based on a false assumption, or simply state that the premise is incorrect.
✨ Tips for an Engaging Game
- Be Patient: Solving can take time. Let the players think and discuss. Don't rush them.
- Offer a Hint (If Necessary): If players are completely stuck for a long time, you can offer a small hint to get them back on track. For example: "You're focusing a lot on the location, but the object is more important."
- Encourage Recap: Suggest that the players summarize what they've confirmed so far. This helps them structure their thoughts.
- Set the Scene: When you first read the puzzle, do it with a bit of dramatic flair! A good introduction makes the game more immersive.
Ready to host your first game? Grab a puzzle and put your new skills to the test!
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