The Scene Even if he loses, he could still win your heart. self to tell a roomful of your friends how many sexual partners he's had. But you don't want a guy who's eager to do this. Good signs: He's open and funny, telling amusing stories about his exploits. Bad signs: He clams up. Or, worse, he gets gabby and confessional. He tells all his embarrassing secrets — his crush on your sister, say, or his bed- wetting woes — when it's not even -his turn. The crucial moment comes: When someone asks him whether he really loves you. Will he be effusive and endearing? Or will he stammer out, "Uh, I guess so," and chuckle ner- vously? When the game is over: You two figure out who in the group will most likely run for public office, and you plan to collaborate on a best-selling tell-all. PAUL BIB EAU Special to The Jewish News II is politics are okay. And his breath is fine. But is he The One? Give him the games test. That's right — go to a party and urge him to join you in a round of charades or Monopoly. You won't believe how much serious stuff you'll learn from the way he plays. Charades The aim of the game of charades is communication. You want a guy who can pick up your signals. Right now, you're trying to sign The Bridge on the River Kwai — but some day you should be able to nod, wink and nudge the message, "It's time for you to pretend you're violently ill so that we can go home." Good signs: He guesses A Brief History of Time less than 30 seconds after your imitation of a pulsar. Bad signs: He flails around like a mime with thyroid trouble. When you don't get his clues, he gets worked up and has to be sent to the kitchen for a ,, "time out. The crucial moment comes: When you just aren't clicking, is he patient? Or does he shout, "What the hell is that thing you are doing with your elbow?!" When the game is over: You both can use hand signals to say, "I love you." This will be cute the first hun- dred times you do it. Twister The aim of the game of Twister is coordination, flexibility and his ability to be draped over some strange woman while remaining faithful to you. Good signs: He is charmingly clumsy and hapless. Bad signs: He sends five or six peo- ple to the hospital. The crucial moment comes: When you all have to get off the mat. Does he help you up and try to protect you from being crushed? Or is he too busy fondling your best friend? When the game is over: You go off to a private place and trade back rubs. . Trivial Pursuit The aim of the game of Trivial Pursuit is cooperation. Trivia games can bring out the worst in people. Is he truly playing with you? Or is he simply out to show how smart he is? Good signs: The two of you play like a finely honed mixed-doubles team — you put your heads together and use your combined knowledge, consulting on each and every ques- tion. Bad signs: After every question is read, he hops up shouting like Arnold Horschack, "Oooh, 000h, 000h, I know it!" or, when you try to answer, he puts his hand over your mouth. 10/10 1997 72 Quarters The crucial moment comes: When he thinks the answer on the card is a mistake. Does he handle it with digni- ty? Or does he become irate and abu- sive, muttering about how he'll "get even" with the Trivial Pursuit research department? When the game is over: You two try out for "Jeopardy!" together. Monopoly The aim of the game of Monopoly is money management. Is he the type to splurge on Boardwalk or Park Place, or does he wisely invest in solid stuff like Marvin Gardens and Indiana Avenue? Does he keep track of his properties — or does he eat the dice like the guy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest? Good signs: He helps you hatch a devious scheme to finagle the best real estate from the other players. Bad signs: When you get up for a glass of water, he trades half your port- folio for the last Bugles in the snack bowl. The crucial moment comes: When someone lands on a hotel and goes bankrupt. Is he polite? Or does he cackle like a cartoon villain and say, "Now you're out on the street, and the family house is mine, all mine! Hahahahaha!" When the game is over: You join an investment club together with some little old ladies and strike it rich. Truth Or Dare The aim of the game Truth or Dare is honesty and tact. You want a guy who is comfortable enough with him- The aim of the game of Quarters is: handling booze — a lot of booze — responsibly. You get to see him at his absolute gnarliest — drunk and fling- ing change around. Good signs: He gets silly and happy. Your friends laugh with him. Bad signs: He gets sloppy and ugly. Your fiends laugh at him. The crucial moment comes: When you both wake up. Are you OK? Is he there with you? Is anyone else there, too? Any stolen lawn gnomes in the room? When the game is over: You'll have plenty of stories you won't tell your kids some day. Also, you'll be prepared for the worst when he goes to his 10th-year fraternity reunion. 111 — Courtesy Mademoiselle. Copyright 1997 by the Conde Nast Publications, Inc.