Lossy Relay

A game

I met a woman at a gallery opening who asked if I was an artist. I said, “Yes, and you are, too?” She answered that she used to be, but now she upkeeps short-term rentals and rental agreements in addition to a confident stance of willingness to invent new types of upkeep that will attract the sort of stranger who does not wish to be recognized as a Stranger. This takes up most of her time.

In this game, the players are divided into two teams: Guests and Hosts. The objective of the game is to streamline the ambitions of the other team while also pleasing the Dealer. The task of the Dealer is to keep track of all transactions. The task of the Hosts and the Guests is to also keep track of transactions. The Dealer comes built into the game. Some people call the game or game board “The Dealer” while other game enthusiasts will point to a part of their own body whenever they get the urge to play. They will point to their stomach or their open hands. This is part of the fun of the game, trying to figure out who or what or where the Dealer is – either philosophically or legally. For each player’s turn, a message is passed and it is always intercepted. Beginner versions of the game come with a standard Task Deck with cards marked “Market,” “Manage” or “Turnover”. Advanced players may make their own decks, though to compare them, they are remarkably the same. All cards must be touched by all players at all times. Experienced players may use external implements or other players to extend their reach. An experienced player playing a Host might even double back and host themselves while maintaining complete composure and believability, both inside and outside of the game.

The objective of the game is to become indistinguishable either from the Dealer or the rules.