Content

1. The cards focus on feelings, not opinions, and the objective is to understand the other players' perspectives, not to reach agreement.  This ensures that players focus on hearing what the other person has to say, rather than trying to persuade them to a different position.

2. The cards focus on players' individual perspectives and experiences.  This enables players to participate as individuals, rather than as representatives of any particular group.

Process

1. The facility to pre-select cards (i.e. stack the packs) and to completely customize their content, enables facilitators to ensure that vital issues are handled and that the games remain current and relevant.

2. Playing the Master Game first enables players to develop a foundation of trust and a willingness to really listen to one another when playing the issues-based games.

3. Equal playing opportunities (taking turns) and responsibilities (everyone discloses and gives feedback) enable participants to play as equals and to bridge divisions of power or influence.

4. Numerous "escape routes" - 'passing' on any card at any time, self-censoring what one wishes to share - enable participants to feel safe and in control.

5. Incorporating process cards in each card pile enables players to reflect on, and discuss, their feelings about playing.

6. The debriefing process enables participants to reflect on what they have learned, and to explore the implications of this experience for their ongoing interactions.