Why Regret is in the deck
Regret is deep, and it’s also universal. Everyone at the table has one, whether they’re 16 or 70. A regret can be a missed phone call as easily as a missed life.
How people read it differently
Regret can split two ways. Some players think first of things they did: a word said, a door closed, a choice made fast. Others think first of things they didn’t do: the trip not taken, the person not called, the question not asked.
The two readings lead to different stories. A regret about something done can come with a scene. A regret about something not done can come with a “what if”. Some players hold that regret is a waste of time. Others hold on to one on purpose, as a reminder. Both readings are welcome at the table.
The other side: Lamp
The back of the card is a Lamp. In an essay on ordinary objects that migrants keep, a broken lamp stays in the family because of the memories it holds (AAWW). It also stands for fear of the dark: a lamp left on at night.
So the Lamp side can bring a bedroom, a desk, or one light that was always on in someone’s house.
How to play this card
Draw the card. Choose a side: Regret or Lamp. Roll the die. Look at the word from that side.
MEMORIES, BODY, PEOPLE, VALUES, CHILDHOOD, FUTURE: wherever the die lands, say as much or as little as feels right. A short answer is a full answer. You can always ask for more.
The others follow up gently: What did that feel like? Who else was there? Has it always meant that to you?
What is said at the table stays at the table. That matters with a word like this one.
Related words
Also in the Self cluster: Shame, Nostalgia, Anger. Start a round in the free online game. See what’s in the printed box.