“Is Helen Reddy?” is the traditional name of the game. Given that many people don’t know who Helen Reddy is anymore, a more up-to-date name such as “Does Tom Cruise?” can be used.

The rules are simple:
• Two or more players.
• Construct a question that is a wordplay on a celebrity name (usually a last name that sounds like an adjective, bonus points if you can use both first and last name).
• You have 1 minute to come up with your question (if not, you lose), then your opponent takes a turn at coming up with a question.
• The question/pun has to be legitimate sounding.

Good Examples: Does Tom Cruise? Is Martin Short? Is Alan Cumming? Is Amy Smart? Is Barry White? Is Seth Green? Does Gabriel Byrne? Does Billy Bragg? Do I smell Kevin Bacon? Did you know LeAnn Rimes? Is Liz Phair? Is Rob Lowe? Is his Willie Brown? (Willie Brown is 2x points – use of first and last name).

Mediocre Examples: Does Minnie Driver? Does Dick Butkus? Is Bryan Ferry?

Bad Examples (no points): Does John Malkovich? Is Ray Liotta? Does Lenny Kravitz?

It is harder than it sounds, but it is a great way to waste time with friends. It can even be played over instant messenger.

Tags: games, geekery, how-to, original research
This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at 2:39 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.