The Comforter

Calm, kind, talks you through your handicap

The Comforter is the kindest voice at the table and hands out some of the worst news. Every penalty arrives wrapped in reassurance: breathe, you are doing so well, this will hardly hurt. They love a handicap said gently, like one hand behind your back, no talking, or your best card face up. You will thank them, and then you will remember what they just did.

One night with The Comforter

"Deep breath," said the Comforter, in a voice like a warm blanket. "You'll play the rest of this round with one hand behind your back."

The victim nodded, comforted, and then looked at the fourteen cards in their one remaining hand. It is hard to shuffle with one hand. It is harder to hold fourteen cards. "You're doing so well," said the Comforter each time one hit the floor. "That was a very brave drop."

A neighbour offered to hold the cards for them, and the Comforter said no, no, they could do this, they were so close, and wasn't it wonderful to see?

By the end the victim was crying with laughter, and the Comforter told them it was perfectly all right to feel that way. Then the Comforter moved on to the next player, who was also due a handicap, and apologised in advance.

Hear The Comforter

“Deep breath. You'll play the rest of this round with one hand behind your back. You're doing so well.”

Rules The Comforter says

Replacement Bus
Until the end of your next turn, you may not claim a route. Draw train cards or destination tickets instead.

From Signal Failure, by zaragata, house rules for Ticket to Ride
Padding
Slip the top two cards of the draw pile into your stockpile, face down, just under its top card.

From Waiting for a Three, by zaragata, house rules for Skip-Bo
Abdication
If you hold the president's title, you swap places with this round's scum when it ends. If not, hand the president your best card, or in the first round, the player on your right.

From Pecking Order, by zaragata, house rules for President
Good Manners
For the rest of the game, say thank you every time you draw a card.

From Show Your Work, by zaragata, house rules for Phase 10
Skip Magnet
Until this hand ends, every Skip another player plays must be played on you.

From Still on Phase Three, by zaragata, house rules for Phase 10
Pocket Money
Hand all your money to the player on your left. For your next three turns they hold it, along with any money you collect, and hand over whatever you ask for the moment you say please. Then they give it all back.

From Old Money, by zaragata, house rules for Monopoly

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