Q: Is there an ideal number of players for a team?

A: We have found that teams of two, three or four players are great. When the teams get bigger than that, individual players start to feel less responsibility for their personal scores. (Like, you start to think, “Eh, Kevin and Jody always get great scores so I can slack off a little and not bring the team down too much.”) That said, big games can be very fun and provide a lot of support and community.  So, truly, anything goes!

Q: Can I play as a team of one against a team of more than one?

A: Yes, you can, but it’s not ideal. The group support is a big part of what makes this game effective and fun.

Q: I think my brother should play because I’m worried about his weight, but I don’t really want to play with him, because I don’t trust him to be honest and sometimes he says really mean things to me. Should I play with him anyway?

A: Worry about your own health first, then his.  Play with people you not only like, but also love and respect. As you start to feel and look better, your brother may notice and ask what you’ve been doing at which point you can tell him about the game and let him play with his own friends.  Do NOT play with him if you don’t trust him to be fair and kind. It will only piss you off and sabotage your game (which means sabotage your health.)

Q: I have such a long history of failing on diets. I want to play but I am really worried about disappointing my team.

A: Here’s the deal: Even if you don’t score 100%, you will be healthier for having played.  So there are two things I suggest.  First, remember the two types of players? There are people who thrive on winning and there are people who just enjoy playing. Find some of the latter and team up with them.  And second, tell your teammates about your fear and then talk to them about WHY you have failed at diets in the past.  Was it the late night hours that undid you? Maybe you can make a nightly phone appointment with a teammate and talk through those late night cravings. Was it a loathing of all things exercise related that undid you? Maybe one of your teammates can become your workout buddy and meet you for a nightly run/walk around your neighborhood.  Are you an emotional eater and in the past, bad days and sad feelings led to eating binges? Tell your teammates and ask if you can call them when you feel like eating.  Studies have shown that the act of simply pausing and/or talking when an emotional eating urge hits can abate the urge. This game provides you a vehicle and a community to work through the issues that have undone you in the past. So play the game and use your team and then revel in the results! Go you! Go go go you!!