Between the Hexes

2. Smoke heavily. A pipe is excellent for making gurgling sounds when there is a slug in the stem. These sounds should be emitted only while your opponent is trying to unsnarl your last move. Don’t become overly enthusiastic when gurgling or you will suck the slug into your mouth. Not only do slugs of tobacco juice taste bad but your opponent will probably rejoice at your misfortune, and you will have nullified all your efforts to create tension. Before your snorkle gets to the juicy slug stage you can exhale gently through the stem and blow soot on the board. Naturally a foul smelling tobacco is preferred. Rubbing garlic into the bowl before stokeing up will cause even the most indifferent opponents to recoil every time you exhale. Blow smoke in your opponents eyes when he is in range. When he isn’t, blow smoke on the side of the board he is intently studying. When you finish the pipe routine bum a cigarette from him. If it’s his last one take it and mention to him that he’s running low. Talk about smoking and how good this particular butt is. This will make him want the cigarette you are smoking. If he looks longingly at your fag, blow smoke in his eyes. Sometimes it’s better to put out the cigarette after you’ve had only one or two puffs. This enables you to bum more cigarettes from him in less time and he will resent your wastefulness.

“Sage Sarge Sez” from Avalon Hill The GENERAL newsletter, volume 1, number 1 (May 1, 1964)