Workshops by Thiagi, Inc. | Search

Simulate A Simulation Game


These are some of the reasons that stop you from using a simulation game.

You can reap the benefits of a simulation game -- without actually playing it! Just tell your participants a story about the play of the simulation game.

Example: A group of participants learn to play a simple card game by reading a set of rules. After 3 minutes, they discard the rule sheets, play the game silently, and keep scores. After another 3 minutes, the winning partners at each table move to the next table and start a new round of silent play. Few minutes later, your opponents pick up the cards that you won. You ignore this, think that they probably made a mistake. They grab the next set of cards that belong to you. You stand up and scream. You point to the ace and gesture wildly to indicate that your partner played it and, therefore, the trick belongs to you. Your opponents simply stare at you with a confused look.

At some dramatic decision point in your story, ask your participants what they think happened and what they would do in that situation. Then give the explanation:

In this simulation game, the players get into trouble because they are playing by different rules. For example, in Table 1, aces are the highest cards. In Table 2, they are the lowest. Most players initially assume that the opponents are either stupid or dishonest.

Continue with your story, from the point of view of the players. Stop the story at critical junctures for audience input.

When your story comes to an end, conduct the usual debriefing discussion.

That's all to the technique of simulated simulations.


Back to the Tips for Facilitators page