Marriage can refer to different things, so the rules depend on the context. Let's explore two main interpretations:
1. Marriage as a Card Game
Marriage is a matching card game popular in Nepal, Bhutan, Banthara, and among the Nepali diaspora. It's played with three decks of cards. The objective is to form sets of three matching cards. These sets can be:
- Trials: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three Kings).
- Tunnels: Three cards of the same rank and suit (e.g., three Kings of Hearts).
- Sequences: Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 5, 6, and 7 of Spades).
Players collect these sets by drawing and discarding cards. The game continues until a player forms a specific number of sets or meets other predetermined winning conditions, which may vary depending on the specific ruleset played. Further details on specific rules and strategies can be found on sites like Pagat.com and in blogs dedicated to the game. For example, a blog post on AmericanEpali offers insights into gameplay.
2. Marriage as a Metaphor for Relationship Dynamics
In certain contexts, "playing marriage" can be a metaphorical expression. This refers to the dynamics and strategies within a marriage or romantic relationship. This might involve:
- Strategic decision-making: Similar to a game, couples may engage in strategic choices regarding finances, career paths, family planning, etc.
- Negotiation and compromise: Successful marriages often require negotiation and compromise, analogous to strategic moves in a game.
- Power dynamics: The balance of power within a relationship can be compared to the dynamics of a game where each partner strives to achieve their goals.
Examples include posts on forums like Reddit discussing strategic alliances and inheritance through marriage in the context of a historical simulation game, or discussions on the potential for manipulation and "mind games" in a relationship as explored on Quora.
