Snap! Bang! Boom!

"You still think Snap! Bang! Boom! is child's play and mage craft?"

— a successful gambler

Snap! Bang! Boom! is a popularized game between two or more participants that requires the players conceal their primary hand before "shooting" a Snap, Bang, or Boom. A favorite past- time of children and young adults, the origins of the game actually revolves around the practice of teaching fundamental magic principles to Casters. Heightening one's ability at engaging Snap! Bang! Boom! sharpens several skills useful to the developing practice of a young Caster.

History

As the Houses of Magic were forming, it became imperative to teach correct somatic forms for casting magic to young pupils. Legends claim that when the question was brought to the attention of an anonymous head of a chapter- house, the wise Arch- Mage taught the principles of this simple game. Anyone who witness a Caster perform magic may remark upon a variation or form from the Snap! Bang! Boom! used within the performance of certain spells.

When it comes to casting certain spells, the somatic components must align properly, otherwise the spell fails. This game teaches basic forms in a way that is fun and easy to understand.

Execution

To play a game of Snap! Bang! Boom! with a friend, the players conceal the top of their primary hand by placing the flat of their hand into the palm of their off hand, presenting the back of their secondary hand to the rival player. Different rules suggest a count, but typically, most cultures agree with "shooting" on or after a count of 3. Once this is agreed upon, the players tap the primary hand against the palm of their secondary hand 3 times before "shooting". On (or after) the 3rd count, the players present either the "Snap", "Bang" or "Boom"! Each effect is associated with the proper hand gesture. Incomplete or improper hand gestures are considered a foul, which may result in the rival choosing to mulligan (a choice favoring novices of the game, considered highly respectful) or a penalty, which awards the victory to the winner. A judgement is made based on the oppositions of the three corresponding gestures and a determination is made. If the same gesture was chosen, a mulligan of the round is performed. Once a winner is decided and based on the agreed upon terms, another round or a match (2 out of 3 rounds) may be played. Below is a list of the corresponding effects and their eliminations.

Snap!: beats Bang!
A literal snap of the ring, middle, or index finger. The gesture is quick, and it is associated with the sound. An interesting psychological phenomenon develops in the game; a rival may anticipate the sound of the snap. This anticipation causes literal snap decisions on the part of the rival, often forcing decisive choices. Snap! loses to Boom!

Bang! beats Boom!
The Bang! is created by presenting the hand forward with the palm of the primary hand firmly in the grasp of the secondary palm, extending two fingers outright towards the rival and seperating the fingers. A successful Bang results in a V shape of the fingers. Bang! loses to Snap!

Boom! beats Snap!
A successful demonstration of Boom! places the primary hands wrist against the palm of the concealing hand and opens the hand in a wide display of the 5 fingers. If the fingers aren't fully splayed, the sign is considered incorrect. Boom! loses to Bang!

Variations of SA- BA- BO exist all across Pathon, inviting others to experience the rush of SA-BA-BO. Extended rounds, local tournaments, and additional conditions for victory are all part of the thrill of SA- BA- BO!

Observance

Unofficially, a 3rd party may observe the SA- BA- BO to assure the integrity of rounds. Incomplete hands signals and disagreements therein often illicit more matches of SA- BA- BO.