Objective
Tontine is a social betting game where the goal is to be the last surviving participant in order to win the entire monetary pool.
Setup
- Number of Participants: At least 2, with no theoretical maximum. The game works best with a larger group.
- Contribution: Each participant contributes an equal amount to the pool. The total of these contributions forms the overall prize.
Game Play
There are no fixed turns or structures in a Tontine. The game is essentially a passive competition for longevity. Here are the steps or rules that can form the basic framework for such a game:
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It is determined what constitutes a person exiting the game, primarily through natural demise, although other agreed events might be considered as "exiting."
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The entire money pool is awarded to the last surviving participant or whose outcome was the last to occur among the group.
Strategic Considerations
- Alliances: Historically, it was common to form alliances or agree with similar-aged or like-minded participants to develop the most effective strategy.
- Life Expectancy and Health Strategies: Participants might theoretically try to increase their life expectancy by leading a healthy lifestyle, engaging in preventative health measures, and making low-risk decisions.
It's important to note that Tontine is often discussed humorously or as a fictional concept and is rarely played as a practical game.
