The rule which I wish to discuss here is purely hypothetical, but if enough people say sure why not, then we'll include it. The rule is officially dubbed "The You Don't Know Jack Opponent Forcing Buzz Rule" because rules look more impressive if they have long titles. But for everyone's sake we'll call it the Screw Rule. Before each match, everyone will receive one (1) screw (or, more likely, a picture of a screw). These do not carry over into the next round. To use it, you must buzz in while the question is still being read and clearly say "I will screw [x]", where [x] is your unlucky opponent. To prevent the obvious strategy (the one-word screw), the screwee will hear the question either to the point of buzz or to the power mark, whichever is later. If the screwee is incorrect, it will be treated as if they had buzzed in and gotten it wrong. The screwer will still have his/her buzz for that question. However, should the screwee actually get it right, not only will he/she receive 10 or 15 points (whatever is appropriate), but the screwer will be assessed a 5 point penalty. There is only one obvious drawback I can see here: the person is screwed before the power mark, and upon hearing the power part of the question, is the only one in the room who doesn't realize the answer. So we have a buzzer race on the power mark. However, I will attempt to place the power in the correct location so that this is not possible (between a person's two names ideally, but also immediately before the key word in the middle of the question). So, email me at apg_at_... and let me know where you stand on this: (a) Use it for the entire tournament. (b) Use it only for the rounds with 3 or more people. (c) Do not use it at all. Andy
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