This was a game that was played by high ranking officers on both sides, usually after a defeat. Some say Braxton Bragg invented the game but research shows he did not invent the game but does get credit for being one of the Grand-masters of the game.

It was played by sending in reports totally refuting any blame oneself may deserve and instead throwing as much blame as possible on lower ranking officers and even in some extremely bad cases casting aspersions at the troops themselves.

Also some claim the game originated in Washington City when after enjoying several rounds of drinks at a local tavern Joe Hooker claimed the tavern owner was a southern sympathizer and left without paying his tab.