The MASH game (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House) is a classic childhood game that has entertained generations. It is simple to play and requires only paper and a pen, making it perfect for classrooms, sleepovers, or any setting where kids or even adults want to have fun and laugh about their possible futures.
The game predicts things like who you’ll marry, what your future job will be, and where you’ll live. Although it’s a game of chance and imagination, it continues to be a popular way to pass the time. Let’s dive into how to play the MASH game and explore its variations, such as the MASH love game and the MASH card game.
How to Play the MASH Game
To play the MASH game, you will need a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. The game works by creating lists that outline potential aspects of your future, such as where you’ll live, who you’ll marry, your career, how many kids you’ll have, and what kind of pet you might own. The key categories in the MASH game are:
- M: Mansion
- A: Apartment
- S: Shack
- H: House
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:
Step 1: Write “MASH” at the Top of the Paper
Start by writing “MASH” at the top of the paper. These letters stand for “Mansion,” “Apartment,” “Shack,” and “House,” which are the possible outcomes of your future home in the game.
Step 2: Create Categories
Next, create a few categories under the “MASH” heading. Common categories include:
- Who you’ll marry
- Your future job
- Number of children
- Where you’ll live
- What kind of car you’ll drive
You can add or remove categories depending on what aspects of the future you want to predict.
Step 3: Add Choices to Each Category
Under each category, list a few possible options. This is where creativity and imagination come into play. For example, under “Who you’ll marry,” you might list four names. Under “Future job,” you might list options like “doctor,” “teacher,” “actor,” or “astronaut.”
Step 4: Choose a Number
The next step involves choosing a number. You can do this in several ways, but the most common method is to have the player make a spiral on the side of the paper while the other player closes their eyes. When the spiral is finished, the other player counts how many rings are in the spiral to get the “magic number.”
Step 5: Start Counting and Elimination
Using the number you got from the spiral, start counting through each option listed. For example, if the number is 4, count to four on the list, and when you land on the fourth option, cross it out. Continue counting through the list, skipping the crossed-out options, and repeat until only one option in each category remains. Those remaining options predict your future!
The last remaining options in each category are your results, and they predict what your future will hold: where you’ll live, who you’ll marry, what kind of job you’ll have, etc. It’s a fun, random way to imagine what life could be like in a playful, non-serious manner.
How to Play MASH Love Game
The MASH love game is a variation of the classic MASH game that focuses more specifically on relationships and love. While the basic mechanics remain the same, the categories are often tailored to predict romantic outcomes. For instance, the “Who you’ll marry” category becomes more central, and additional categories like “Where you’ll honeymoon” or “How many dates before marriage” may be included.
Here’s how to play the MASH love game:
- Write “MASH” at the top, as usual.
- Create categories that revolve around love and relationships, such as:
- Who you’ll marry
- Your honeymoon destination
- Number of dates before marriage
- Number of kids
- Add romantic choices to each category, like names of crushes or favorite vacation spots.
- Follow the same steps as classic MASH—choose a number, eliminate options, and predict your romantic future!
How to Play MASH Card Game
The MASH card game is a fun twist on the traditional game where playing cards are used to determine the future outcomes. Instead of writing down the categories and options, cards are assigned to different outcomes, and players draw cards to see their predictions.
Here’s how to play the MASH card game:
- Assign different outcomes to playing cards (e.g., Aces represent a mansion, Kings represent a shack).
- Shuffle the deck of cards.
- For each category (such as “Who you’ll marry” or “Where you’ll live”), draw a card, and the card drawn will determine the prediction based on the pre-assigned meanings.
- Continue drawing cards for each category until all predictions have been made.
The card version of MASH adds an element of suspense and randomness that makes the game even more exciting.
How to Play Smash Game
The Smash game is a completely different game but is sometimes confused with MASH due to the similar sounding names. Smash is typically a fast-paced, active game involving smashing objects or cards. A popular variation of this is “Smash Ball,” a physical game that combines elements of handball and volleyball, where players hit a small ball into a net with the goal of outscoring their opponents. To play, you’ll need a Smash Ball set, a small rubber ball, and a net.
How to Play Smash Ball Game
Smash Ball is typically played with two teams of two players each. The objective is to hit the ball onto the net in such a way that the opposing team is unable to return it. The game is played in rounds, and the first team to reach a predetermined number of points wins.
- Equipment: Smash Ball set (net and ball)
- Rules: Teams take turns hitting the ball onto the net. If the opposing team fails to return the ball, the serving team scores a point.
- Objective: Reach the winning score first.
How to Play Avocado Smash Game
Avocado Smash is a fast-paced card game that involves quick reactions and simple rules. Players take turns placing cards down in the center while counting aloud. If the card they play matches the number spoken, everyone must race to smash their hands onto the pile of cards. The slowest player collects the pile, and the game continues until one player runs out of cards.
- Objective: Be the first to get rid of all your cards.
- How to win: Pay attention to the cards being played and the numbers being said to avoid collecting piles.
Conclusion
The MASH game is a classic that continues to be a source of fun and laughter. Whether you’re playing the traditional version, the MASH love game, or even the MASH card game, the basic idea of imagining a funny or far-fetched future remains the same. While games like Smash Ball or Avocado Smash differ significantly in terms of gameplay and objectives, they offer equally fun ways to pass the time. So grab a friend, some paper, or a deck of cards, and dive into a world of playful possibilities.