Definition [Canada] - Milton Bradley, 1981
Definition was a Canadian game show that aired on CTV from 1974 to 1989, originally hosted by Bob MacLean during the first season and then Jim Perry for the rest of the run. This was essentially the Canuck's variation on the word game Hangman as with Wheel of Fortune here in the states. Two teams of two competed, originally a contestant and celebrity up until 1985 when it changed two pairs of regular contestants. The teams would take turns guessing letters in a phrase for which Perry had offered a pun as a clue. The first team to solve two (later three) puzzles won the match. The winning team then played a bonus round where they had to solve another puzzle as fast as they could while letters were revealed in alphabetical order. A correct solve there earned the champion of that team tens of dollars in Candian currency for each unrevealed blank saved along with a bonus prize. While Definition was popular up North, the show was also frequently mocked for the cheapness of its prizes that were offered, which were usually small appliances, pen and pencil sets, or other small courtesy gifts. From what I've heard so far, contestants who've appeared on the program recieved the board game, but it wasn't to be found at any stores in Canada.
First you set up by
assembling the yellow puzzle grid, then arrange a single set of cards
from A to Z (one card of each letter) in the alphabetical order and
place them face up on the table in front of the puzzle grid. Then you
arrange the rest of the letter cards in alphabetical order and place
them in the blue letter storage holder.
Next you shuffle up the prize cards and place them face-down in a pile
near one side of the puzzle grid. Then place the money near the puzzle
grid to be used by the M.C. to pay out the cash won in the bonus game.
The encee sits on the letter supply side of the puzzle grid with the players facing him on the opposide side. He or she carefully takes a page from the game book, folds it along the dotted line, and inserts in the red vinyl puzzle "decoder" so that round "A" is showing. He sets up the puzzle in the grid by using letters from the storage holder and arranging them as illustrated in the puzzle decoder.
NOTE: The letters read from right to left for the M.C., but will read correctly for the players when turned in place to face them.
The board game rules are, of sorts, in line with the TV show. The M.C. reads and announces the clue for the Definition being played. (i.e. "Why The Church Tailor Quit His Job") The clue may be repeated as many times as necessary during the round. The play involves the giving away or taking of letters, after consultation among the team members. Each time a letter is selected, the captain of the team turns the corresponding alphabet card face down on the table to indicate that the letter has been used.
Team "A" decides on a letter, which they think is not in the Definition, and the captain announces it to the M.C. If the letter given away does appear in the Definition, the M.C. turns the letter in the puzzle grid to face the players. Team "A" has lost its turn and their opponents get a free guess at the Definition. If the letter given away does not appear in the Definition, team "A" selects another letter that they think is in the solution. If they have guessed correctly, the M.C. turns the letter in the puzzle grid so that it is shown to the players in the proper position. If the letter appears more than once, the M.C. turns over all like letters to face the players. Upon selecting a correct letter they are given the opportunity of guessing the correct Definition. Play then moves over to team "B" who give away a letter and take a letter.
Teams alternate turns until one team guesses the complete correct Definition. (answer to above example: "Because It Was Habit Forming") The team correctly guessing the Definition is then awarded a prize by the M.C. who draws the top prize card, announces the prize and the dollar value and presents the card to the winning team. There are three Definitions and one bonus round included on each page from the game book. The team guessing two of the three Definitions plays the bonus round.
The bonus game setup is in line with the method for regular play. The M.C. turns the letters in the Definition one at a time in alphabetical order. The team playing the bonus game may guess the Definition at any time as often as they wish. When the Definition is guess correctly, the M.C. stops turning letters and the team is awarded $10 for each letter that hasn't been shown. Unlike the tv show, some people can play the bonus round using an alternate method by having both teams play. The M.C. turns over the letters in exactly the same manner as in the Bonus Definition, and either team may call out the definition at any time.
If three players are playing, then each of then takes a turn at being the emcee. After three rounds, all players have been MC once and have played two rounds. The player with the most money value at the end of three rounds wins.
When there are four players, play four games and modify the game play. Each player takes a number and follows the suggested chart below.
| PLAYERS | EMCEE | BANKER | |
| Round 1 | 1 vs. 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Round 2 | 2 vs. 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Round 3 | 3 vs. 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Round 4 | 4 vs. 1 | 2 | 3 |