Changing rules in the middle of the game?

Question

Apparently there is a gift exchange game called Elephant. I was told the rules are

1.  you can take a gift that has already been opened or select a gift from the pile of gifts
2. once the gift has changed hands twice it cannot be stolen again

So I was at a party......the hostess stole an item that had been passed twice.

No one said anything. I said wait a minute, I believe there were 2 swaps. The hostess said the person in the last position isn't bound by the rules and that is always the hostess. (This rule came out as the deed went down...but to me it is not "kosher.")

Was I a bad guest for pointing out that a rule was being violated? (The gift wasn't stolen from me I was acting on what I was told the rules were.) If you know this game is it true that the hostess goes last traditionally and selects the "cream" (any gift) without being bound by the rules?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I'm not familiar with the game, but the idea that the hostess can just take whatever she wants goes against every core principle of etiquette and hospitality.

thezaylady · Answer

Your hostess was correct about the "last person" but should have made things clear from the beginning. 
Having not realized you were not familiar with that rule, she should have given the gift back saying, "I'm sorry. We should have made that last part clear to you. Since we didn't, I'll be a good sport and swap with someone else."
She gets a "Flaky Hostess" award.

Anonymous · Answer

this is what we call tricks at 360 degrees-at human behaviour! Understood?

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Changing rules in the middle of the game?

3 Answers