a physical game that is played on a large plastic mat with colorful circles, where players take turns spinning a wheel to determine which body part and which circle color to place it on, resulting in a tangled web of limbs and bodies as players contort themselves to avoid falling over
Twister is a physical party game where players must place their hands and feet on colored circles on a large mat according to the instructions given by a spinner. The spinner shows a color and a body part, like "right hand on red" or "left foot on blue." Players take turns spinning the wheel and must move to the corresponding color without falling or touching the mat with any part of their body that is not on the circles. The game becomes more challenging as players are forced to stretch and twist their bodies into awkward positions. The last player remaining balanced wins the game. Twister encourages physical coordination and flexibility.
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/wˈaɪɚ lˈuːp ɡˈeɪm/
a skill-based amusement game where players use a handheld wand to navigate along a twisted wire without touching it, avoiding triggering a buzzing sound
The wire loop game is a simple puzzle game where players must guide a metal loop along a curved wire without letting the loop touch the wire. The wire is usually shaped into twists and turns, and the player holds the loop at one end, carefully maneuvering it through the maze. If the loop touches the wire, a buzzer or light sounds to signal a mistake. The challenge is to carefully control the loop while avoiding the wire, which requires steady hands and concentration. This game helps improve focus, hand-eye coordination, and patience.
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/lˈeɪzɚ tˈæɡ/
a competitive game where players use handheld infrared-emitting devices to tag opponents' targets, simulating combat scenarios in a safe and fun environment
Laser tag is a game where players use infrared-emitting guns to tag opponents who wear special sensors on their bodies. The goal is to "tag" others by aiming the laser gun at their sensor, scoring points when the sensor detects the beam. Players usually play in teams or individually in a darkened arena filled with obstacles and hiding spots. Laser tag is often played in recreational centers and encourages teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking. The game is safe and fun for all ages, as it relies on infrared light, which is harmless.
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/kˈæts kɹˈeɪdəl/
a game for children in which players wrap a string around their fingers and try to make different designs
Cat's cradle is a traditional string game where players create different shapes and patterns by passing a loop of string between their fingers. One player begins by forming a basic figure, often called the "cat's cradle," and then passes the string to another player, who continues to form new shapes. The game involves creativity and dexterity, as players must manipulate the string to form various designs, often working together to complete more complex figures. Cat's cradle is a fun way to improve hand-eye coordination and is often played as a simple, interactive activity.
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/dʒˈɛŋɡə/
a physical and mental skill game that was first created in the 1980s, played with a set of 54 wooden blocks, which are stacked in a tower formation at the beginning of the game
Jenga is a game that originated in the 1980s, inspired by a wooden block-stacking game from Africa. The game consists of 54 rectangular wooden blocks stacked into a tower. Players take turns removing one block at a time from the lower parts of the tower and placing it on top without causing the tower to fall. The game ends when the tower collapses, and the player who made the tower fall loses. Jenga requires steady hands, careful planning, and concentration.
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/pˈɛni ɪnðə hˈoʊl/
a simple game where players take turns trying to toss or roll a penny into a small hole or target, often drawn on the ground or a board, and the player who successfully lands the penny inside the hole wins
Penny in the hole is a traditional game with simple rules that has been played for many years, often as a casual outdoor activity. The game involves players taking turns throwing a coin, usually a penny, towards a small hole or target in the ground. The goal is to get the coin as close to the hole as possible or into the hole itself. The player whose coin lands closest or in the hole scores points. The game requires accuracy, focus, and skill in controlling the coin's throw.
/ˈænt sˈæli/
a traditional English game where players try to knock a doll named "Aunt Sally" off a stand by throwing sticks or balls
Aunt Sally is a traditional pub game from England that dates back to the 17th century and was originally played at fairs. The game involves throwing wooden sticks, called "dolls," at a wooden peg, known as "the dolly," which is placed on a stand. The aim is to knock the dolly off without hitting the stand. Each successful hit scores a point, and players take turns to compete. Aunt Sally requires skill, precision, and practice to master the throws. It remains a popular social game in some regions.
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/ɹˈɪŋ tˈɑːs/
a fun game where players try to toss rings onto a target, typically a peg or a bottle, to score points based on where the rings land
Ring toss is a simple game often played at fairs or outdoor events. The game involves tossing small rings over pegs or bottles that are placed at different distances. The goal is to get the ring to land around the neck of a peg or bottle. Players take turns throwing the rings and score points based on how many rings they successfully land on the targets. Ring toss requires accuracy and a steady hand, as players must judge the distance and strength of their throws to win the game.
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/ɹˈɪŋ ðə bˈʊl/
a traditional pub game where players attempt to swing a ring attached to a string onto a hook or bull's horn fixed to a wall, aiming for accuracy and skill in landing the ring on the target
Ring the bull is a traditional game where players throw rings, usually made of metal or rope, at a target in the shape of a bull or a similar object. The goal is to get the ring to land around the target, often a peg or a post that is part of the bull's design. Players take turns and score points based on how many successful throws they make. Ring the bull requires precision and focus, as players must judge the distance and aim carefully to land the rings on the target. The game has been enjoyed for many years, especially at fairs.
/bˈɑːɹ bˈɪlɪɚdz/
a traditional pub game played on a small table with pockets, combining elements of billiards and bagatelle, providing a social and skill-based pastime in pubs and bars
Bar billiards is a traditional game played on a special table with no pockets, typically found in pubs or social clubs. The game uses balls, a cue stick, and a table with small holes or "pins" placed around the edges. Players take turns trying to pot balls into these holes by striking them with the cue ball. Points are scored depending on which holes the balls land in. Bar billiards requires skill in controlling the cue ball and planning shots. It has been a popular pub game in England for many years and is often played in a relaxed, competitive setting.
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a game in which small pointy objects are thrown at a board to achieve points
Darts is a popular game where players throw small, pointed objects called darts at a circular target, known as a dartboard. The dartboard is divided into numbered sections, with each section having a specific point value. Players take turns throwing three darts each, aiming for high-scoring areas such as the bullseye or the sections with double and triple scores. The goal is to reach a set point total, usually 501 or 301, and finish by hitting a double score section. Darts requires skill, precision, and focus and has been played in pubs and competitions worldwide for many years.
/ʃˈʌfəlbˌoːɹd/
a table game where players slide weighted pucks to score points in scoring zones, played for fun and competition
Shuffleboard is a game played on a long, smooth table or court, where players slide pucks, also called "discs," towards a scoring area at the opposite end. The court is divided into sections with different point values, and the goal is to land the pucks in high-scoring areas while avoiding the lower-scoring parts. Players take turns sliding their pucks, trying to either score points or knock their opponent’s pucks out of scoring zones. The game requires precision, strategy, and careful control of the pucks. Shuffleboard has been enjoyed in social settings, like clubs and cruises, for many years.
/nˈʌklɪbˌoʊnz/
an ancient game played with small objects, typically sheep's knucklebones or metal jacks, where players toss and pick up the pieces in various sequences, providing a traditional and challenging pastime
Knucklebones is an ancient game traditionally played with small bones, pebbles, or similar objects. Players take turns tossing these objects into the air and then catching them on the back of their hands, or they may throw them into the air and try to catch them in various ways. The goal is to complete a series of moves without dropping the objects. The game is often played with multiple rounds, where each player tries to perform a set of challenges in order. Knucklebones requires dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. It has been played for centuries in different cultures around the world.
/pˈɪkˌʌp stˈɪks/
a classic game played with a set of thin sticks or straws, where players take turns trying to remove sticks from a pile without disturbing the others, providing a fun and strategic challenge
Pick-up sticks is a game where players take turns trying to remove sticks from a scattered pile without disturbing the others. The game begins with a bunch of colorful sticks randomly placed on a flat surface. On each turn, a player picks up one stick at a time, being careful not to move any other stick. If any stick moves, the player loses their turn. The goal is to collect as many sticks as possible. Pick-up sticks requires patience, careful planning, and a steady hand, and is often played for fun in casual settings.
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a table game resembling football in which players attempt to score goals by turning side handles that have figures of football players attached to them
Foosball is a game played on a table that mimics soccer. The table has rods with small figures attached to them, and players use the rods to control these figures and try to score goals by hitting a small ball into the opponent’s net. Players take turns or play in teams, controlling the figures by turning, pushing, or pulling the rods to move them and strike the ball. The game requires quick reflexes, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Foosball is often played in bars, clubs, or homes for fun and friendly competition.
/ˈɛɹ hˈɑːki/
a tabletop game in which two players use paddles to hit a puck back and forth on a low-friction surface, attempting to score goals in each other's net
Air hockey is a fast-paced game played on a smooth, air-cushioned table where players use handheld paddles to hit a small puck into the opponent’s goal. The table has small holes that blow air upwards, making the puck slide easily across the surface. Players take turns trying to score by hitting the puck into the goal while defending their own goal. The game requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and strategic moves. Air hockey is popular in arcades and recreational centers, offering an exciting and competitive experience for players of all ages.
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/skˈiːbˈɔːl/
a classic arcade game in which players roll balls up a ramp to try to land them in scoring holes of varying point values
Skee-ball is a popular arcade game where players roll a ball up a ramp and try to land it into one of several holes on the board, each worth different points. The goal is to score as many points as possible by aiming for the higher-point holes. Players roll the ball using a controlled throw, and the challenge is to accurately aim for the target while dealing with the ramp's angle and speed. Skee-ball requires precision, timing, and skill. It is often found in arcades, fairs, and game rooms, offering a fun and competitive experience for all ages.
/ɹˈɑːkpˈeɪpɚsˈɪsɚz/
a hand game where two players simultaneously form one of three shapes with their hands determining the winner based on simple rules: rock crushes scissors, scissors cuts paper, and paper covers rock
Rock-paper-scissors is a simple hand game usually played between two people. Each player simultaneously forms one of three shapes with their hand: rock, which is a fist, paper, which is an open hand, or scissors, which is a fist with the index and middle fingers extended. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. If both players choose the same shape, the game is a tie. Rock-paper-scissors is often used to make quick decisions or settle minor disputes, and it requires no equipment, making it easy to play anywhere.
/hˈænd klˈæpɪŋ ɡˈeɪm/
a game that involves rhythmic hand movements and clapping, often accompanied by a song or rhyme, and typically played by two or more players taking turns to perform specific hand gestures and claps in sync with the rhythm
A hand clapping game is a simple activity where two players clap their hands in a specific pattern, often to a rhythm or chant. Players sit facing each other and take turns clapping hands together or with each other, following a sequence of movements that may include clapping their own hands, then each other’s, or tapping on the table. The goal is to maintain the rhythm and not make mistakes. Hand clapping games are often played by children in groups and are popular for their fun, energetic nature and ability to develop coordination and timing.
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a hand game where players try to slide their fingers into certain positions or patterns, following the leader's actions
Slide is a hand game typically played by two players. The game involves a series of movements where players take turns sliding their hands back and forth in a specific pattern. One player starts by placing their hands in a particular position, and the other player must quickly mimic or follow the movements without making a mistake. The goal is to perform the moves correctly and maintain the rhythm, often accompanied by a chant or song. Slide is a fun game that helps improve hand-eye coordination and timing, and it is often played by children in casual settings.
/ˈɑːdz ænd ˈiːvənz/
a hand game where two players simultaneously show either an odd number of fingers or an even number of fingers, and the winner is determined based on the sum of the fingers shown by both players, providing a simple and fun game of chance and decision-making
Odds and evens is a simple hand game played between two players to decide a winner. Each player chooses either "odds" or "evens" before the game starts. The players then each form a fist with one hand and simultaneously reveal a certain number of fingers, usually one or two. The total number of fingers shown is added up, and if the total is odd, the player who chose "odds" wins; if the total is even, the player who chose "evens" wins. The game is quick and often used to make decisions or settle disputes.
/θˈʌm wˈɔːɹ/
a hand game where two players interlock their thumbs and try to pin down their opponent's thumb for a count of three, similar to traditional wrestling but using only the thumbs
Thumb war is a hand game played between two players. Each player starts by locking their hands together, with their fingers intertwined, leaving their thumbs free to move. The goal is to pin the opponent's thumb down for a count of three by using one's own thumb to trap the other player’s thumb. Players take turns trying to outmaneuver each other, using quick and strategic movements. Thumb war is a fun, competitive game that requires agility, coordination, and timing, and it is often played in casual settings or to resolve a friendly challenge.
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/pˈæɾɐkˈeɪk/
a hand-clapping game usually accompanied by a rhyme, where two players clap their hands together in a pattern while reciting the rhyme
Pat-a-cake is a simple hand game often played by children. Two players clap their hands together in a rhythmic pattern while saying a rhyme, usually something like "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man." The players clap their own hands, then clap each other’s hands in specific sequences, often while following the rhythm of the rhyme. The game helps develop coordination, rhythm, and social interaction. Pat-a-cake is often played in a playful and fun manner, making it a popular game for young children.
/tɹˈuːθ ɔːɹ dˈɛɹ/
a game where players use hand gestures to answer questions or perform dares, often used in conjunction with spoken questions
Truth or dare is a popular party game where players take turns choosing between answering a question truthfully or completing a dare. When a player chooses "truth," they must answer a question honestly, no matter how personal or challenging it may be. If they choose "dare," they must perform a task or challenge given by the other players, which can range from silly to difficult. The game is often played in groups and encourages fun, creativity, and sometimes humor, making it a favorite for social gatherings.
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