Bang It!

With long winters here, a major pastime in the weekends is to play indoor games (board, card, trivia, charades, etc.). Out of all the games we played so far, Bang takes the pole position. And I'm sure the fellows in the group will agree with me. Total Paisa Vasool!

If you haven't heard of Bang before, it's a multi-player (4-7 players) card game, wherein the players get a role out of - one Sheriff, two Vices (who work for the Sheriff), one Renegade (who works for the Sheriff until the Outlaws are gone and then targets the Sheriff), and three Outlaws. The players play with their roles hidden and have to guess others' roles based on the play. The game finishes when the Sheriff and their team kills off the Outlaws and the Renegade, or the Sheriff is killed by the Outlaws. There's also a way for the Renegade to win if they can take out the Sheriff after the Outlaws and Vices are gone. I won't go into details of how to play here, you can refer to the instructions and other information, here. 

If I remember correctly, the big bang of Bang happened when the game was introduced to the group by M.S. Ph.D., who was patient enough to explain the rules and tactics multiple times. But, we still have to read the rule-book every now and then to settle the disputes that arise. 

Apart from the fact that the game in itself is enjoyable, I think most of the fun comes from the banter that happens while playing. If you play with at least two players that give endless commentary, the game gets lively (of course, a bit chaotic too at times). There can also be frustration (yeah, different kind of fun) when players choose not to play according to their roles.

Here are some funny lines from the banter that I can recall right now. I'm sure I'm missing plenty others, so please let me know (at least one line of each person in the group) in the comments (or message them to me) and I will add them here. 

Let the Bang universe expand forever! 

[Read these in that person's voice for better effect]

[SRAB]

Nuvvu outlaw-va kaadha?

[PP]

Emochindhi <name>, nannu champithe...

Ennnndhuku <name>...

Aaaagu, rules telusaaaa neeeku!

[VG]

Eraa <name>, bang raa!

[BPC]

Shall I read the Constitution?

Just random...

[AK]

Veyyandi ika, bangu...

Naaku dynamite vodhu!

[SRPR]

Sheriff ni jail lo pettochaa? 

[SuP]

Aaaaagu pandu...

[MS]

Ammaaa, nuvvu jail lo undu...

Some hilarious scenarios during the play:

- As I mentioned before, the players do not disclose their role until they are killed off, so the "acting" or "fooling" talent of the people comes out. I think everyone acts (or at least tries to) in a way, but the best of the bunch are the two shining stars in the group. We call them ANR and NTR. You know who's who :)

- Renegade role is the hardest to play I think. They would have to be super patient and be able to bluff. This is where the "star actors" shine. There were numerous times when ANR and NTR were able to fool people. You should see the expression on others faces at the end of the game. Avaakkayyaraaaa!

- Most players forget that Panic can only go distance of 1 and try to steal a card from the next player even though they have a Mustang card (which increases their distance by 1). The other players will catch it and shout "There's Mustang!!!". Happens in every round.

- Willy the kid is a card that will give the player the ability to shoot continuously. This is a curse most of the times as other players get wary and try to kill off whoever has that power. Again, only a couple of people use it well. You know who.

- According to me, [SRAB] is a top-notch player; plays tactically well. But then, at times, he gets a message from the alternate universe (it feels like that) and he plays crazily and makes everyone super mad. But it sure is entertaining.

 

F1 India Nonresident Tax Return for ND

If you are an F1 student from India with non-resident tax status (usually F1 visa holders are allowed to file as non-resident for first 5 years) and you are filing your North Dakota state tax return, please note the following:

North Dakota does not recognize the tax treaty India has with the US Federal government, so the standard deduction that is allowed in the Federal tax return is NOT allowed for North Dakota state tax return. 

When you fill the North Dakota state tax return, ND-1 form:

- For Federal gross income, fill the total gross income from your federal non-resident tax return (1040NR). 

- For Federal taxable income, subtract the North Dakota state tax that was withheld in your W-2 form from the gross income and enter that amount.

For e.g., if your Federal gross income is $34,500 and the North Dakota state tax withheld in your W-2 is $200, your Federal taxable income will be $34,300.

Info Links:

ND_income-taxation-of-nonresident-aliens-guideline 

Tax Forms Search | North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner (nd.gov)

  

Disclaimer: This is NOT legal tax advice. This information is from personal experience and can be outdated.  Please consult a legal tax representative or your university's international office or payroll department.