Superghost (game)
Superghost is a word game played by two or more players, often described as a variation of the word game Ghost. The primary difference between Superghost and Ghost lies in the addition or subtraction of letters from either the beginning or the end of a word fragment, whereas Ghost traditionally allows only additions to the end.
Gameplay:
The game begins with players agreeing upon a dictionary to be used for validating words. A starting player initiates the game by stating a single letter. The next player must then add either a letter to the beginning or the end of the existing fragment, attempting to create a valid word according to the agreed-upon dictionary.
The goal is not to complete a word. Players aim to make it impossible for the next player to form a valid word with the current fragment.
Challenges and Winning:
If a player believes that the current fragment cannot form a valid word, they can challenge the previous player. The challenged player must then either:
- Provide a valid word (of at least four letters, or an agreed-upon minimum length) that starts with the current fragment. If the challenged player can provide such a word, the challenger loses the round and receives a "letter" (typically the first letter of the word "Ghost" or "Superghost").
- If the challenged player cannot provide a valid word, they receive a letter, and the challenger starts the next round.
Players accumulate letters until they spell out the word "Ghost" (in the standard game) or "Superghost" (in a version using this name), at which point they are eliminated from the game. The last player remaining is the winner.
Variations:
Some variations of Superghost may include specific rules about acceptable word lengths or the number of letters that can be added or subtracted at a time. These variations are typically decided upon before the game begins.
Strategy:
Superghost requires a strong vocabulary and an understanding of common word patterns. Strategic players attempt to create fragments that lead to few or no possible words, forcing their opponents into difficult situations. Bluffing, where a player attempts to create the impression of a viable word path when none exists, is also a common tactic.