The Gas Station Receipt Game FAQ

To my great surprise, not only did people find my shameful and impressive secret endearing, but some would actually like to join the competition, too. I’ve received a number of questions on the specifics of how to play (most of which were variations of the question “WHY?”) and I thought it best to answer them all in one place. So, here we go, the official FAQ to The Gas Station Receipt Game (tentatively titled Receipting Gas Line, because I like my names to nearly flirt with being clever):

DO YOU REALLY PLAY THIS GAME?

Yes. Please stop yelling.

CAN I JUST KEEP MAKING SEPARATE PAYMENTS FOR MY OWN GAS AND RACK UP ONE GIANT RECEIPT?

In theory you could, but does honour mean nothing to you, man? Also, the scoring not only awards you points based off of the number of centimetres you achieve — you will receive a time bonus of 0.5 points for each minute between the first and last purchase on the receipt as well; it’s in your favour to let the time rack up on these things. And again, please stop yelling.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE THE RECEIPT?

With a ruler, generally. The measurement is between the first and last points of the receipts that are 6 cm in width. Getting a clean rip is part of the game’s inherent challenge.

WHERE CAN I SEND MY RESULTS?

Please send your results to gimmesomeviagraplz@hotmail.ca, which is not my email, I’m just, uh, holding it for a friend. Your results must include your point total and a photo of your receipt. This photo must also include a dime for scale. FAILURE TO INCLUDE A DIME FOR SCALE IN YOUR PHOTO WILL RESULT IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION.

NOW YOU’RE YELLING TOO!

SHIT.

WHAT IF THERE’S A TIE?

In the event of a tie, the victory will go to the receipt containing the highest amount of gas purchases in total.

CAN THE RECEIPT INCLUDE ANY GAS PURCHASES MADE BY ME?

Just one.

ANY OTHER RULES?

If a gas station attendant is visibly confused or angered by your actions, then you are DISQUALIFIED. If you a impede a car behind you at the pumps from gassing up just so you can get a sweet time bonus, you may keep playing even though I QUESTION YOUR FORM.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT SCORE?

65 cm in length + a time bonus of 11.5 (23 minutes) brings me to a grand total of 76.5 points. Oh, I have the lead for now, but the game is on.