The nose game
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The Nose Game (also known as Nose Goes) is a popular selection method most commonly used when deciding which of several persons is assigned an unwanted task.
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[edit] Rules
The Nose Game is a predominantly American social phenomenon or game that serves as a simple technique by which a group of people can quickly determine which member of that group is responsible for getting something done or completing a task that benefits the entire group. However, if the task is that of making a decision affecting the group, then the nose game is null and void and a different selection method must be used.
[edit] Explanation
One member of a group notices that something (usually a small or simple errand or task) needs to be done. They mention it, and place their finger alongside of their nose. As the other members of the group acknowledge the task (and usually agree to its necessity), they also place their finger along the side of their nose. The last person to do this is the chosen person to perform the task. Usually this person needs the game explained to them, having previously been unaware of it. If there are two or more people without touching their nose, then one of them can call out "Reverse" and the game is reversed to whomever is the last one touching their nose has to perform the task. In some versions of the game, the starting player (the player who first notices the task) must shout "Nose Goes!" to begin the game. However, the official rules state that if a finger is quickly moved to the nose after a task is mentioned the game is immediately started without verbal announcement.
This inherently viral teaching and participation component is connected to the rapid spread of the game throughout the United States.
[edit] Variations
Another Nose Game arose in 2006, though only vaguely related to the original. In this version, each player must hold his or her thumb to his or her nose. The last player to remove their thumb is declared the winner. Thumbs may be exchanged during play as long as at least one thumb remains on each player's nose.
A slightly different version of this game is frequented in the Netherlands, mostly in student circles. The basics are thesame, except instead of touching your nose, you have to make a 'roof' (Dutch; 'dakje') above your head by placing the tips of your fingers together and making an upside-down V ('/\'). The game is mostly started out by one person that acknowledges something needs to be done, and shouts out 'without X' ('zonder X') where X stands for the thing that needs to be done. This way the person making the roof claims to go without doing X, and so the last person to make the roof is the one that has to perform the task.
[edit] Tie-Breakers
Experienced participants in the nose game often must decide on a method of breaking ties or 'close calls'. They usually take the form of a new action to be performed, with the last person to perform said action being the new loser.
Popular Tie-Breakers include:
"Moose-Ears" - Participants place their hands splayed out against their head in an imitation of a moose's antlers. The origin of the misnomer 'moose-ears' is unknown.
"Jig" - Partipants stand up and perform an impromptu jig. The quality of the jig is mostly irrelevant, as long as reasonable enthusiasm is demonstrated.
"Knee Down" - While standing, a participant can call, "Nose goes, knee down," and the last participant to go down to one knee is the loser. Participants are also expected to keep a finger on their nose, as the tiebreaker is an extension of the original method, rather than a new task altogether.
Rock, Paper, Scissors - If the tie is between two people, these participants may resort to the classic game of rock, paper, scissors. In this case, the first person to win a round is exempt from the task which the nose game was played for. Furthermore, this tiebreaker is not a best of three series; rather a one time deal in order to speed the process along.
