Welcome to the House of Dix,
Where Otto Dix was alive but sick.
In this room, where we play,
Otto took his life and his name.
He hung himself to relieve his pain
And ‘Hangman’ was the name they gave.
His story has been shared for years and, in fact,
It is told that if you enter a match
There is no escape and no turning back.
So, think twice, and do not lapse.
To play his game, it is very simple,
What lies before you: one paper, one pencil.
The Host and Players must gather about.
The Host of the game must then shout,
‘Hangman! One Host...’ and the number of guests.
You will hear a bell that confirms your request.
Each Player is given three hints and three hints only.
Not per hour, not per round, but throughout the entirety
Of the game. If you are out of hints, you may need to worry,
Because no more is given, so don’t rush or hurry.
The Player in turn must choose a letter from the alphabet.
But to stay in the game, that letter must be correct.
If that letter is wrong in select,
The Host must draw Hangman’s body to connect.
Once all six body parts of the Hangman is drawn,
The Player in turn of the game is withdrawn.
But if the Player guesses the game right,
They are safe for the round and maybe the night.
If the Player feels that they can solve,
They should and pray that they aren’t wrong.
For if they are wrong, the Host will not draw
The head, the body, a leg, or an arm.
Instead, the Player is hung and gone.
Towards the end of the game, with one Player and one Host,
If the Player guesses correctly, then both can go home.
But if the Player is wrong, they may turn ghost,
And the only one safe to walk is the Host.
A sinister take on a classic children's game where losing not only means failure, but execution.