Ghost (PBEM)

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

Include the rules link above in every game message.

Overview

• Players: 2 (or more, taking turns)
• Type: Word game
• Complexity: ⭐⭐
• Best for: Vocabulary, bluffing, language play

Rules

1. Players take turns adding one letter to a growing word fragment
2. Each letter must be building toward a real English word
3. You lose if you:
   - Complete a word of 4+ letters (3-letter words don't count)
   - Add a letter that cannot lead to any valid word
4. If you think your opponent's fragment cannot lead to a word, challenge them
5. On challenge: opponent must name a valid word. If they can't, they lose. If they can, challenger loses.

Notation

Format: [fragment] + [letter] = [new fragment]

Example: GHO + S = GHOS (building toward GHOST)

Example Game

Message 1 (Alice):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

Starting Ghost! First to complete a 4+ letter word loses.

G

Your turn — add a letter!

Message 2 (Bob):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

G + H = GH

Your turn!

Message 3 (Alice):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

GH + O = GHO

(Not completing GHOUL or GHOST yet...)

Your turn!

Message 4 (Bob):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

GHO + U = GHOU

Your turn!

Message 5 (Alice):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

GHOU + L = GHOUL

Damn, I completed the word. You win!

Good game. Another round?

Challenge Example

Message 1 (Alice):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

Starting: Z

Your turn!

Message 2 (Bob):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

Z + Q = ZQ

Your turn!

Message 3 (Alice):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

CHALLENGE!

I don't believe ZQ leads to any valid English word.
Name one or you lose.

Message 4 (Bob):

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

You got me. I was bluffing — I can't think of any word starting with ZQ.

You win!

Strategy Tips

1. Know obscure words — ZYMURGY, CWMS, CRWTH can save you
2. Bluff confidently — Your opponent might not challenge
3. Force completions — Steer toward positions where any letter completes a word
4. Avoid common paths — TH, CH, SH lead to obvious words quickly

Variants

SuperGhost: Letters can be added to the beginning OR end of the fragment.

Xyzzy: Minimum word length is 5 instead of 4.

Starting a Game

Rules: https://strangerloops.com/experiments/pbem-games/ghost.md

Ghost challenge! 

First to complete a word of 4+ letters loses.
Challenge if you think my fragment can't lead anywhere.

I'll start: S

Your turn — add a letter!

Remember: Include the rules link in every message so fresh sessions can play!