The Hand game is a fun option for enthusiastic, energetic and quick-reacting players. It can be played either indoors or outdoors—the amount of space you need only depend on how many players are in the game. “Hand” is best played in a circle, and is a good exercise of reflexes and quick focus. It is also an elimination game, which means that when a player misses a beat, they are removed from the circle, and the “last person standing” wins.
What You Need to Have to Play “Hand”
A flat surface.
“Hand” Game Setup
Challenging fun in this game comes from building up momentum. For this reason, it is best to have at least about 10 players. Whether you are playing indoors or outdoors, you need a flat surface on which all participants place their hands. All players should be able to sit comfortably while stretching their arms out in a way that it is easy for them to slap the hard surface in rapid succession. The hard surface can be a table or the floor or the ground.
How to Play “Hand”
Step 1
All players form a circle, with their hands outstretched, palms down. Each player’s left arm should cross over the right arm of the player to their left, in a way that allows free enough motion for both crossed arms.
Step 2
Any player can start the game, by slapping one hand once on the flat surface. Going clockwise, each hand to the left of the hand that opened the game, will have to slap the surface once.
Step 3
If a player chooses to slap the surface twice, the game immediately reverses direction, meaning that hands to the right take turns slapping the surface once. There is no particular player that is supposed to change the course of the game, anyone can choose to slap the table/floor/ground twice.
Step 4
If a player skips a beat or slaps out of turn (either too late or too early) in either direction, they remove that hand from the game. If a player skips their turn twice, they are removed from the circle. The previous steps are repeated until there are only two players left in the game.
How to Win at “Hand” Game
To be successful at the Hand game, you need to focus on the actions of those around you, have quick reflexes, and good coordination. You need to be careful to only slap when it is your turn, and not a moment too soon. Similarly, you must take care to not be too slow and miss your turn if the next player slaps before you take your chance.
The Benefits of Playing “Hand”
This is a game that improves coordination, attention to rhythm, focus and awareness, as well as the collective mood on a slow or rainy day.
