Water Log Fire

Water Log Fire is a game used by a group of individuals to resolve a dispute or conflict. The game is similar to the world famous Rock paper scissors; however, many people consider Water Log Fire to be a superior game.

How to play

Like Rock Paper Scissors, a game of Water Log Fire begins by counting to 3 with a clenched fist. Next, each participant makes a hand action. As the name of the game suggests, the hand actions represent Water, Log and Fire. The Water action is made by moving the forearm in a horizontal wave-like action. Log is made by an extended index finger with the other fingers remaining retracted. Fire is made by holding a hand in the air and wiggling the fingers and thumb. Each action "defeats" one action and is "defeated" by one action:

Creation and history

The game of Water Log Fire was created by Australian Craig "Pug" McEachern in 2006. The game was born from a sense of frustration Pug had with the inherent flaws of Rock Paper Scissors. The primary concern was: Why does paper beat rock? Pug claimed that a rock wrapped in paper is equally deadly. He therefore argued that paper can not possibly defeat a rock. For example, a rock wrapped in paper is still more than capable of destroying a pair of scissors. Pug concluded that Rock Paper Scissors was no longer a valid method of equitable dispute resolution.

After a long period of thought and experimentation, Pug invented Water Log Fire. While there has been some reluctance from traditionalists who are loyal to Rock Paper Scissors, most people agree that the new game is superior. Some people have questioned why a log floating on water equates to a victory for log. In response, Pug is quick to point out that water's primary strength is the ability to drown objects. By floating on water the log is subverting water's primary strength and therefore can claim an undoubted victory.

While the game has not yet enjoyed universal success, some progress has been made in promoting it internationally. In 2006 and 2007, Pug entrusted 4 fellow Australians, Mitchell Saxby, Doug Long, Adam Colombo and Herb McGonda, with promoting Water Log Fire around Europe. The 4 gentleman successfully introduced the game in the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. Pug is hopeful that the game's introduction into Europe will see it surpass Rock Paper Scissors as the world's leading form of rapid dispute resolution.