According to the Oxford Dictionary, a loophole is defined as “an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules.” Now, that might sound a bit complex, so here’s an easier definition: a loophole is an accidental technicality in a rulebook that allows someone to bypass the rules without technically breaking them.
Typically, loopholes are exploited by corporate bigwigs to avoid paying taxes. However, if you’re clever enough, you can use loopholes to your advantage in the Big Brother house. Some players have done just that. Sometimes they got away with it, while other times, new rules were created to counteract the loophole. No matter the outcome, a loophole was found and exploited, and today, we’re diving into some of the most fascinating examples.
1. Rachel’s Pretzel Message
“What other girl would leave a message in pretzels?”
Rachel once left a message in pretzels for Brendan, spelling out her desire for him to put Matt on the block. This act skirted the boundaries of communication rules in Big Brother. While not an explicit loophole, it was a creative way to convey a message without breaking the rules directly.
2. Vanessa’s Cash Incentives
In Big Brother 17, Vanessa Russo, a professional poker player, cleverly exploited a rulebook loophole.
In Big Brother, you’re not allowed to bribe other houseguests with prize money. For example, you can’t say, “Vote to keep me, and I’ll give you $10,000 if I win.” However, Vanessa noticed that the rule didn’t mention personal funds.
Vanessa hinted to other houseguests, especially the Nolan twins, saying things like, “Those who help me will have a very nice Christmas. I’m very generous with my friends and family.” These subtle comments, while not explicitly offering money, toed the line.
Although the producers stepped in to clarify the rule, Vanessa’s attempt showcased her ingenuity. Her deep pockets gave her an unfair advantage, but her persistence and creativity were a testament to her strategic brilliance.
3. Dan’s Fake Veto
In Big Brother 10, Dan Gheesling crafted a fake Power of Veto (POV) out of tin foil. His plan? Flash it to paranoid houseguests if needed and let their imaginations do the rest.
The rules explicitly state that you can’t lie about possessing a power. However, Dan didn’t say he had a veto—he just showed his tin foil creation. This creative workaround wasn’t stopped by producers, making it a clever example of exploiting the rules without breaking them.
4. Tyler’s Power Lies
In Big Brother 20, Sam received the “Bonus Life” power, allowing one of the first three evicted houseguests a chance to return. Tyler, aware of the power, lied about its specifics to manipulate Caitlyn into flipping her vote.
The rule states you can’t lie about your own power, but Tyler found a loophole: he could lie about Sam’s power because it wasn’t his. This clever manipulation helped him secure a close 7–6 vote.
5. The HOH Nomination Rule
As HOH in Big Brother 16, Frankie Grande explicitly told Zach he would nominate him. Normally, this breaks a rule requiring suggestive wording like, “I’m thinking about nominating you.”
Some speculated Frankie intentionally did this to force producers to intervene and prevent Zach’s nomination. While likely unintentional, this situation highlights how wording rules can be manipulated in theory.
6. Pandora’s Box: The Pretzel Incident
In Big Brother 12, Brendan was offered Pandora’s Box and sent to a spa retreat. Meanwhile, evicted houseguest Rachel Riley returned to the house for 24 hours.
Unable to communicate with Brendan directly, Rachel used pretzels to leave him a message: “Put up Matt.” While unconventional, this skirted the edge of direct communication rules, creating a memorable moment in the game.
Big Brother players are known for their strategic brilliance, but their ability to find and exploit loopholes is a whole different level of gameplay. Whether bending the rules with fake vetoes or creative wording, these moments remind us why Big Brother remains so unpredictable and entertaining.
What’s your favorite Big Brother loophole moment? Let us know in the comments!
