Staying connected with your loved one in prison can be challenging, but incorporating games into your communication can make it more fun and engaging. Playing games via mail or eMessage can provide a mental escape, foster creativity, and strengthen your bond. Here are some ideas and tips for playing games through these mediums.

1. Word Games

Hangman

• How to Play: One person thinks of a word and draws blanks for each letter. The other person guesses letters one at a time. Incorrect guesses result in drawing a part of the hangman. The goal is to guess the word before the hangman is fully drawn.
• Example:

  _ _ _ _ _ _ (6 letters)
  Guessed letters: E, A, R, T, S

You can draw the hangman or describe the drawing in your letters.

Word Search

• How to Play: Create a grid and hide words within it. Send the grid to your loved one for them to find the hidden words. You can write out the grid and the list of words to find in your letter.
• Example:

  Words to find: LOVE, HOPE, FAMILY, PEACE
  Grid:
  L O V E P H P
  A X Q R F A M
  H O P E L Y I
  G Z P L C P L

Scrabble

• How to Play: Each person takes turns creating words from a set of letters. Keep track of the board and scores in your letters or eMessages.
• Example:

  Your letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
  Your word: BEAD (8 points)
  Board:
  B E A D

2. Number Games

Sudoku

• How to Play: Send a partially filled Sudoku grid for your loved one to complete. In your next communication, discuss the solutions and send a new puzzle.
• Example:

  Sudoku Grid:
  5 3 _ | _ 7 _ | _ _ _
  6 _ _ | 1 9 5 | _ _ _
  _ 9 8 | _ _ _ | _ 6 _
  ---------------------
  8 _ _ | _ 6 _ | _ _ 3
  4 _ _ | 8 _ 3 | _ _ 1
  7 _ _ | _ 2 _ | _ _ 6
  ---------------------
  _ 6 _ | _ _ _ | 2 8 _
  _ _ _ | 4 1 9 | _ _ 5
  _ _ _ | _ 8 _ | _ 7 9

Crosswords

• How to Play: Create a crossword puzzle and send the clues and grid. Discuss the answers in subsequent letters or eMessages.
• Example:

  Clues:
  1 Across: Furry friend (3 letters)
  1 Down: Opposite of night (3 letters)
  Grid:
  D _ _
  O _ _
  G _ _

3. Trivia and Quizzes

General Trivia

• How to Play: Each person takes turns asking trivia questions. Keep a running score or simply enjoy the challenge.
• Example:

  Question: What is the capital of France?
  Answer: Paris
  Your turn!

Personal Trivia

• How to Play: Create trivia questions about each other to test how well you know one another.
• Example:

  Question: What is my favorite movie?
  Answer: (Write your answer here and see if they get it right)

4. Creative and Interactive Games

Story Building

• How to Play: Take turns writing sentences or paragraphs to build a story together. This can be an ongoing activity that evolves with each letter or eMessage.
• Example:

  Sentence 1: Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a small village nestled in the mountains.
  Your turn!

Art Challenge

• How to Play: Draw a picture or create a piece of art and send it to your loved one. They can then create something inspired by your drawing and send it back.
• Example:

  I drew a picture of a tree in spring bloom. What does it inspire you to draw?

5. Classic Board Games

Chess

• How to Play: Play chess by sending moves back and forth in each communication. Keep a record of the board to continue the game seamlessly.
• Example:

  Move: e2 to e4
  Board:
  r n b q k b n r
  p p p p _ p p p
  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
  _ _ _ _ P _ _ _
  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
  P P P P _ P P P
  R N B Q K B N R

Tips for Successful Game Playing

1. Be Patient: Games via mail or eMessage take time, so be patient and enjoy the process.
2. Keep Track: Maintain a record of game progress to avoid confusion.
3. Be Creative: Feel free to adapt and create new games that suit your preferences and constraints.
4. Communicate Clearly: Ensure that your instructions and game moves are clear to avoid misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Playing games via mail or eMessage with your loved one in prison can be a delightful way to stay connected, have fun, and create shared experiences. Whether it’s a word game, a number puzzle, or a creative activity, these games can bring joy and strengthen your bond. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of playing together, no matter the distance.