WHY YOU SHOULD PLAY

Ever wasted your time with someone who wasn't worth talking to? You realize too late that they just appeared to have substance so they could draw you in. Or worse, that they have substance, but they just suck as a human being. They can't listen, there's nothing to learn from them, they don't challenge you, no one gains anything from it... a giant waste of time. Like talking to a parasite.

This couldn't be more different than that.

Whoever challenged you to play The Resolution must think highly of you. They think that you have intelligent, interesting things to say. That doesn't mean they always agree with you, but even when you disagree they believe you're still worth hearing out. The person who invited you respects meaningful conversation, whether it's a discussion or – in this case – a debate.

And yes, it's a real debate. Not just bickering about some vague topic until people get sick of each other. Not digging for a reason to cancel you. What you've been challenged to is a structured, focused, competitive conversation. This debate game has finite rounds, time limits, rules, scoring and a clear winner. Each side has plenty of time to speak uninterrupted, but they also get to question each other directly. And you can take on a persona to play from another person's point of view, even if it's very different from your own.

Each game has multiple roles, ensuring that no debate is unfocused, unruly or a waste of time:

• Advocates argue for or against the resolution.
• Judges score each side's speaking ability & vote for the strongest case. They represent the decision makers.
• Moderators run the clock and keep order.
• The Audience measures which side was most persuasive. They represent the public that has to live with the decision.

If you've never done a structured debate before... welcome! This game is for you. No experience necessary. In fact, you're about to surprise yourself with how good you can be.

Two more things: first, debate is the mental equivalent of a contact sport. Everyone plays hard, makes mistakes and gets "bruised"... especially the winners. Using these skills in a real-world argument with a loved one, close friend or trusted colleague can damage a meaningful connection if you're too aggressive. Sportsmanship is vital, especially if your opponent is someone close to you. Otherwise, Don't Try This At Home.

And second, don't worry about winning. Do your best, of course, but the benefit is to fire up your mind. It's like the thrill you get from riding a roller coaster or asking someone on a date. You'll learn about yourself, and I bet you'll see your opponent in a whole new way, too. There's so much to gain and nothing to lose, except maybe some bragging rights if they defeat you.

Of course, then they'd have a reputation to uphold.
All the more reason to challenge them back.