Pounce Smackdown

Because I'm such a "fungi", I sometimes organize fun events at lunch for work. Today we just finished our first Pounce Smackdown that resulted when people kept inquiring about a game some of us play here. I figured it would be easier to teach en masse. I realized that since I taught the game to some of my loyal readers, they might enjoy recap I just sent out. Plus it lets me remember the event. Enjoy!



Added later: I've been getting responses from the recap, but one in particular I wanted to share. Someone said that they were really happy they got to work with me. How sweet!




The first GRT Pounce Smackdown proved very eventful! Returning to the arena were two veterans, Suzanne and Dawn. (On a side note, Dawn is the GRTer who brought the wonderful game east). They were joined by five up and coming pouncers: Siobhan, Chris, Susan, Aaron and Annie. The new comers took to the game like fish in water and were up and running by the end of the first trial game. After breaking for a bountiful salad, the group of seven rejoined with Paul looking on and providing distracting questions to all during the various rounds.



Chris started strong, proving young blood (and coming from the generation of computer games) an advantage. He called pounce on the first two games but had the first one stolen by veteran Suzanne – showing that experience sometimes (but not always) trumps youth. It was suggested that pounce become one means of interviewing potential interns to test their ability at multi-tasking and being able to bear stressful events. The various game playing personalities began to emerge as people warmed to the game. All picked up the game really quickly. Swearing was kept to a minimum. Only three level two words were noted. Although at a heated point in one of the rounds, Aaron did lose his chair from underneath him. The pounce regulatory committee is looking into the matter. They will be ruling on the inclusion or ban of wheelie chairs for future games. It was noted that certain individuals resembled the unique playing style of retired veteran pounce player, Noah. His unique thud will live eternally in pounce history.



With seven players, the games were quick paced and many piles were in play. Most often there were over a dozen piles on the table at a time. It was noted in the later games that not all piles were being cleared in a timely manner. At this time, this matter is being investigated by the pounce disciplinary committee. They will be reviewing tapes to identify the individual or individuals that were negligent in the matter and action will be taken accordingly.



By the third game, Siobhan, Annie and Susan had warmed up (although their heart beats were still above average), but they were no match for veteran Dawn. She went on to call pounce and win the third and fourth rounds. The fourth round proved to be a record breaking round for a table of seven ending in under two minutes*. Dawn pealed through her pounce pile, playing a total of 13 cards in a flurry of motion and catching all off guard, resulting in many with negative scores.



All in all, a great first game of the GRT Pounce Smackdown. It was noted that several GRTers were absent from the rounds but want to participate in future games. It is anticipated that the numbers will grow with the potential of an additional five or so individuals joining the ranks of the pouncers. The pounce organizing committee is meeting about expanding the quantity of decks and seating arrangements available as the current resources have been stretched to the limit. They are looking into arrangements for the potential of an unprecedented, record breaking 12 person pounce game!



Practice sessions will be occurring throughout the next several weeks at lunch and all are welcome to join. The communal cards are stored in the black storage cabinet by the copy machine. If you just learned the game, feel free to teach it to those who don’t know it. If you don’t know the game yet but are interested in playing, please feel free to join any game.



Thanks to all who participated, watched and supported the game with clean-up (especially whoever cleaned up my plate :). Please forward this message to interns who were not in recipient of this email. Until next time!