How can you create engaging paper games at home or in the classroom. What are the rules for popular paper-based activities like football and fortune telling. How does the Ddakji challenge from Squid Game work.
Crafting a Simple Paper Football Game
Paper football is a classic tabletop game that’s easy to set up and play. Here’s how to create your own mini football field and ball:
Supplies Needed:
- 8 craft sticks
- 1 sheet of white paper
- Brown crayon
- Glue
- Scissors
- Styrofoam ball (optional, for goal post stands)
Creating the Goal Posts:
- Glue three popsicle sticks into a U shape
- Glue one stick in the middle for support
- Repeat to create two identical goal posts
Folding the Paper Football:
- Start with a rectangular piece of paper
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise twice
- Fold one corner diagonally across
- Wrap the paper around itself
- Tuck in the flaps to form a small triangle
Once you’ve created your football, color it brown with a crayon. For added realism, you can paint the goal posts yellow.
Game Rules:
Players take turns trying to flick the paper football through their opponent’s goal post using one finger. Each successful goal scores one point. Set a target score or time limit to determine the winner.
The Art of Origami Fortune Tellers
Origami fortune tellers, also known as cootie catchers, are a popular paper craft that doubles as an interactive game. Here’s how to create and use one:
Materials Needed:
- 1 square sheet of paper
- Colored markers or pencils
Folding Instructions:
- Fold the paper diagonally both ways, then unfold
- Fold each corner to the center point
- Flip the paper over and repeat step 2
- Fold the square in half both ways to create creases
- Insert your thumbs and forefingers under the flaps to operate
Customizing Your Fortune Teller:
The beauty of fortune tellers lies in their versatility. You can write various themes on each layer:
- Colors on the outer flaps
- Numbers on the inner flaps
- Fortunes, questions, or challenges on the innermost layer
How to Play:
- Ask a player to choose a color
- Spell out the color while alternating the fortune teller’s position
- Have them select a number
- Count to that number, moving the fortune teller with each count
- Let them choose a final number and reveal the corresponding fortune
Exploring the Ddakji Challenge from Squid Game
The hit Netflix series Squid Game introduced many viewers to Ddakji, a traditional Korean paper-flipping game. Here’s how to play this intriguing challenge:
Materials Needed:
- Two square pieces of sturdy paper or thin cardboard (around 3 inches wide)
- Different colors for each player
Game Setup:
- Each player takes one square
- Place one square flat on a hard surface
How to Play:
- The first player throws their square onto the stationary square
- The goal is to flip the opponent’s square over
- Players take turns throwing
- If a player successfully flips their opponent’s square, they win that round and keep both squares
- Continue playing until one player runs out of squares
The key to success in Ddakji lies in the throwing technique. Players often aim to strike the edge of the stationary square to increase their chances of flipping it.
Enhancing Learning Through Paper-Based Games
Paper games aren’t just for entertainment; they can be valuable educational tools as well. Here’s how these simple activities can benefit learners of all ages:
Developing Fine Motor Skills:
Folding origami fortune tellers and paper footballs helps improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, especially in younger children.
Encouraging Strategic Thinking:
Games like Ddakji require players to consider angles, force, and timing, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Fostering Creativity:
Customizing fortune tellers with different themes or designing unique paper football fields allows for creative expression.
Practicing Math Skills:
Keeping score in paper football or counting moves in fortune telling games reinforces basic math concepts.
Promoting Social Interaction:
These games encourage face-to-face play, helping to develop social skills and sportsmanship.
Adapting Paper Games for Different Age Groups
While paper games are often associated with childhood, they can be adapted to suit various age groups and settings:
For Young Children (Ages 5-8):
- Simplify rules for paper football, focusing on taking turns and basic aiming
- Use fortune tellers with simple questions or positive affirmations
- Introduce Ddakji as a fun way to practice gentle throwing
For Older Children and Teens (Ages 9-16):
- Incorporate more complex scoring systems in paper football
- Create themed fortune tellers related to current interests or school subjects
- Organize Ddakji tournaments with friends
For Adults:
- Use paper football as an ice-breaker activity in office settings
- Design fortune tellers for party games or team-building exercises
- Explore the cultural significance of games like Ddakji
Incorporating Paper Games into Educational Curricula
Teachers and educators can leverage the appeal of paper games to enhance their lessons:
Language Arts:
- Use fortune tellers for vocabulary practice or storytelling prompts
- Create paper footballs with spelling words or grammar rules
Mathematics:
- Incorporate geometry lessons into origami folding techniques
- Use Ddakji to discuss probability and statistics
Social Studies:
- Explore the cultural origins of various paper games
- Discuss how games like Ddakji reflect societal values
Physical Education:
- Use paper football to teach hand-eye coordination and gentle control
- Incorporate Ddakji into units on target sports
The Environmental Impact of Paper Games
While paper games are a low-tech form of entertainment, it’s important to consider their environmental impact:
Advantages:
- Minimal resource requirements compared to electronic games
- Can be made from recycled paper
- Encourage reuse of materials
Considerations:
- Encourage use of scrap paper or recyclable materials
- Teach proper recycling techniques for used game pieces
- Discuss the importance of responsible paper consumption
By addressing these environmental aspects, we can ensure that the joy of paper games comes with a minimal ecological footprint.
The Future of Paper Games in a Digital World
As technology continues to advance, one might wonder about the relevance of paper games in the modern era. However, these timeless activities continue to hold their ground for several reasons:
Tactile Experience:
In an increasingly digital world, the physical act of folding paper and manipulating objects provides a refreshing, hands-on experience that many find satisfying.
Screen-Free Entertainment:
Paper games offer a welcome break from screens, allowing players to engage in face-to-face interaction and reduce eye strain.
Accessibility:
Unlike video games or apps that may require specific devices or internet connectivity, paper games can be played almost anywhere with minimal materials.
Nostalgia Factor:
For many adults, paper games evoke fond childhood memories, making them popular choices for family game nights or retro-themed events.
Fusion with Technology:
Some developers are creating augmented reality apps that interact with physical paper games, bridging the gap between traditional and digital play.
As we move forward, paper games are likely to maintain their appeal, potentially evolving to incorporate new themes, rules, or technological elements while retaining their fundamental simplicity and charm.
In conclusion, from the strategic flicking of paper football to the suspenseful flipping of Ddakji tiles, paper-based games offer a world of entertainment, education, and social interaction. Whether you’re looking for a quick diversion, a teaching tool, or a way to connect with others, these simple yet engaging activities prove that sometimes, the most satisfying games are right at your fingertips Γ’β¬β or rather, just a fold away.
How to Make a Paper Football Tutorial + Football Game Instructions
Keep the kids busy and challenge them to a game of paper football! Instructions on how to fold a paper football and how to make a paper football game below.
If your kids love football then they will love NFL-Opoly Junior and this awesome 2 in 1 Football Zone which is perfect to use inside or outside to play! But for the big game day if you need to keep kids occupied you should definitely spend a few minutes helping them make paper footballs to play with!
Itβs also a cheap and easy game to have the kids in your classroom make! Below is a tutorial that will walk you through how to make them, and how to play!
Awesome Game Day Recipes:
Balsamic Baby Back Glazed Ribs
Buffalo Chicken Soup / Dip
Crumble Burgers Recipe
Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs
Paper Football Game Supplies Needed:
-8 Craft Sticks
-1 piece white paper
-Brown Crayon
Β
Β
Β
How to Setup Paper Football Instructions:
For goal Post:
1. Glue three popsicle sticks into a U shape
2.Glue one stick in the middle
3.This will be your goal post, create two of these one for each end of the βfieldβ
Β
How to Fold a Paper Football:
Β
Β
How to Fold a Paper Football:
1. Grab a piece of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half long ways
3. Fold in half again long ways
4. Fold over diagonally
5. Wrap around
6. Tuck in your flaps to form a square
7. Tuck in other flap to form a square
8. Fold one side in to form a triangle
9. This is your paper βfootballβ
Β
For Goal Post Stand:
1.Cut your styrofoam ball in half
2.Color Green.
3.Cut a small slit in the top and place your post in the slit
Β
Β
Color your paper football brown and your goal post yellow.
Paper Football Game Instructions:
Each player will take turns trying to make the football into their goal post by using one finger to hold the βfootballβ. With the other hand, flick your football and try to aim to make it through the goal post. Take turns, if you make one, itβs worth one point! You can choose a limit, whoever makes it to a certain number wins or you can work off a time limit!
Β
Popular Game Posts:
Origami Fortune Teller
[Countries and Cultures]Β Β
[Japan Index]Β Β
[Coloring Pages]Β Β
[Origami]
I’m sure we’ve all made these at some point in time (it used to be a
sleepover favorite).Β Kaitlyn, my 9 year old, loves to make them.Β She
does them with riddles on the inside (Q on the second layer, A on the third
layer), with “boyfriend” questions and with “future career”
questions.Β It seems that every time she makes one, she comes up with
something different to write on them!
If you have trouble with the instructions, try reading through the basic
origami instructions section.
Materials:
Instructions:
Β
- Valley fold paper from corner to corner, making a triangle.
Β
- Valley fold the triangle from corner to corner, making a smaller
triangle.
Β
- Unfold everything — you’ll have a square of paper with an X
crease.
Β
- Fold the corner to the center of the square (where the X crosses)
Β
- Repeat with the other three corners.
Β
- And you end up with a smaller square!
Β
- Flip your paper over
- Fold the corner to the center of the square (where the X crosses)
Β
- Repeat with the other three corners and you’ll end up with an even
smaller square
Β
- Fold and unfold the bottom edge of the square up to the top
Β
- Fold and unfold the left edge of the square over to the
rightΒ
Β
- so that the creases look like an astrix across your small squareΒ
Β
- This bit is easier to do than it is to explain — basically, you
want to push the four corners of the square together in the center
and then slide 4 fingers into the flaps of your fortune teller,
creasing the folds back so your fingers fit in nicely. Β You’ll
be able to move the flaps with your fingers like little puppets.
Β
- To play the standard version, Kaitlyn will
Β Β- ask your favorite color and then flap the fortune teller open
one way, then the other spelling out the color (ex:Β
BΒ LΒ UΒ E) - ask how many children (boyfriends) you’ll have and then count
out the number, again flapping the fortune teller back and forth - Then ask your lucky number, lift that flap and read the
person’s fortune.
- ask your favorite color and then flap the fortune teller open
Templates:
- Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
- Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).
Fortune Teller Template Β (color)Β Β
orΒ Β (B&W)
Β
Print friendly version of these instructions
Β
Β
Β SquidΒ Gameβs paper flip challenge | How to play Ddakji
By: Kimberley Bond.
Surprising smash Squid Game has captivated audiences across the globe, with the Korean-language drama now set to become the most watched Netflix show of all time.
The nine-part series follows gambler Seong Gi-Hun, who finds himselfΒ competing in a series of playground games in order to win a life-changing amount of cash.Β But these otherwise beloved childrenβs games have a decidedly sadistic edge, with thoseΒ who fail or lose their tasks being βeliminatedβ β a euphemism for being shot in the head.
Gi-Hun finds himself lured into the tournament after he is approached by a wealthy andΒ suave businessman (played by acting legend Gong Yoo) in the subway. The businessmanΒ offers to engage Gi-hun in a game of ddakji β if Gi-hun wins a round, he wins petty cash, ifΒ the businessman wins, heβs allowed to slap Gi-hun across the face.
The paper flip challenge is the viewersβ first inclination of how brutal the games will be, but what exactly is ddakji? And how is it played?
Hereβs all you need to know.
What is ddakji?
The paper flipping challenge is called ddakji, a traditional South Korean game played byΒ using folded paper tiles.
It is popular with young children.Β The aim of the game is for one player to make the other playerβs tile flip over on the floor.
How do you make the ddakji cards?
The cards are made by using a very simple origami fold, which can be fun for little ones to do before playing the game properly.
- Firstly, you need numerous sheets of origami or construction paper.
- Fold the paper into thirds, then fold the left corner up and the right corner down.
- Repeat this again with a separate sheet of paper.
- Then, join the two pieces together in the flat centre, and then fold the flaps together until it makes one total square shape.
- Repeat this process several times until you have numerous squares to play with.
Read more about Squid Game:
How to do you play ddakji?
Ddakji is not dissimilar to retro β90s game Pogs, so bear that in mind when you play. The aim of Ddakji is to flip over your opponentβs card. This done byΒ throwing one card as hard as possible at the other.Β Throwing ddakji looks simple, but getting the angle and force necessary to flip the otherΒ playerβs tile takes practice.Β Aiming your throw towards the widest part of the card helps flip it over.
Instead of playing for cash (or a slap round the face), if you do manage to flip yourΒ opponentβs card, you get to keep it β so itβs best to make several cards before playing.
Squid Game is available to stream on Netflix. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our guide to the best TV series on Netflix and best movies on Netflix, or visit our TV Guide
Ideas for Making Toys & Games with DIY Instructions, Patterns, Activities for Children, Preschoolers, and Teens
Home > Arts and Crafts Projects for Kids > Homemade Toys and Games Crafts for Kids
Games and toys are great to use with almost any group of children, especially with the action-minded ones. In a program these games can be divided into three periods of activity: making, decorating, and playing. Thus it will not matter that some children are finished working before others, since the play time is flexible.
Children seem to treasure homemade toys and games more than new ones (most times), especially the ones which are kept and handed down from generations to generations. Who can blame them? There is history and mystery behind them.
Encourage children to make new memories by making their own toys instead of buying from a store. A popular homemade toy (among girls) is the doll house. Most are made from cardboard or wood (with the help of an adult) with homemade furnitures. As for games, you have tons to choose from. You can make your own yo-yo, jigsaw puzzles, and the classics such as tic-tac-toe, snakes and ladder, chess and checkers.
Instructions for Making a Paper Shooting Slingshot Toy
To make a slingshot to shoot pieces of paper, all you need is wire (like the type you find from a wire hanger) and a rubber band. Twist the wire as shown in the picture and make loops at each end to hold the rubber band. Fold little pieces of paper, make a target, aim, and shoot. Don’t use anything other than paper and always ask your parents permission before making toys such as this.
High Bouncing Ball of Rubber Bands
Take a sheet of paper or a piece of newspaper and wad it up very tight. This will make a good center for the ball. Then wind rubber bands very tightly around the center, winding first one way and then the other so as to keep it round. Colored rubber bands can be used if you have themβthey make a bright colorful ball. The ball can be made as large as you want, but 11/2 inches in diameter is a good size. This is fun to do. And you will have lots of fun when you are finished. You’ll be surprised at how high it will bounce. For a Softer Ball, Try This Yarn Ball Craft.
Make a Fun Toss the Ring Game
To do this you will need a piece of wood 18 inches squareβor a square of heavy brown corrugated cardboard will do. Use five empty spoolsβmore if you wishβand attach them to the board with hot glue (parental supervision required) or wood glue. Then in crayon or paint put numbers under each spool as shown. Rings can be the rubber jar rings used in canning or rope tied in circles. See the picture above. Devise your own rules. A suggestion is that each player toss three rings at a turn. The first player to score a total of 1,000 is the winner.
Paper-Bag VolleyBall Game
This is lots of fun if you have a large play space, but it is definitely not recommended for the living room or any place where you might knock over lamps or pictures. Take a medium-size paper bag and stuff it with sheets of crumpled newspaper. Pack it tightly and then fasten the bag with a string or rubber band. This is the ball! String a rope between the tops of two chair backs and hit the ball back and forth as in volleyball. If the ball hits the floor before you hit it back, that is a point for your opponent. Make the game 15βwhoever scores 15 points first is the winner. This game is particularly good for attics, garages, or basements, where you have plenty of space and no danger of breaking anything. It is fun in the backyard, too.
Get the Bean in the Little Door Game
Go and find (1) a bean (2) a small box (3) a shoe box or shirt box lid (4) Scotch tape. How about you build this fun game. You will need to hone your aim to get this bean in the tiny little door. The smaller box needs a door in it…the side that is facing downwards can be cut off. Tape this down to the inside of a shoe box lid. Get competitive and time yourself and your friends to see who can get the bean in the door first.
How to Make a Peanut in a Cup Toy Game
Don’t make this if you or anybody around you has a peanut allergy. Now get a cup out and poke a hole in the bottom of the cup. Put a string in the hole and tie a knot on the inside part of the cup. Then pull it through the other end and tie a peanut to the other end. Then…put a very small hole in the site of the cup and stick a straw through the hole … you could also use a chop stick or a pencil. Glue it in place. Now play the game of trying to get a peanut in the cup. When you get good at it, see how many you can get in the cup in a minute and then compete against a friend.
Making the Marbles Game : Stabling Your Horses
This marble game often called “Stabling Your Horses” is easy to construct and great fun to play. Use a cardboard shoe box for the table. Remove the cover. Turn the box upside down and cut 5 entrances to the stable, using one of the 2 long sides of the box for these entrances. The smallest entrance should be about 1inch wide and 1 1/2 inches tall, and the longest about 2 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches tall. Mark over each entrance the figures 5, 10, and 25 as indicated in Fig. 1. To play this game, place the shoe box stable against a wall. Then measure off a distance of 4 feet in front of it on the floor. Give each player 5 marbles depending upon the number of entrances. Each player rolls or shoots his marbles from the 4 foot marking, shooting all of them at each turn. The game may be continued as long as desired. However, it is well to reach a predetermined score, such as 100 or 250 before beginning the game. The player first obtaining this score wins the game.
Cardboard Flying Boomerangs
By the use of different throwing methods, a boomerang can be made to go through some interesting maneuvers. This is strictly an outdoor toy. While a small cardboard boomerang won’t break a window, it can hurt someone’s head so should be thrown at some distance apart; and caution to children to watch what others are doing. Regardless of size, the length of the arms should be about 6 times the width. Arms 2″ x 12″ make handy size. Staple or glue teh arms at right angles to each other, in the centers. Glue will take about 15 minutes of drying before the boomerang is ready for throwing. For safety, round all edges. Color with crayons or markers.
How to Make Spinning Paper Tops
It is very simple to make these paper tops. Just print out 2 diagrams out…either black and white or color diagrams. Cut out the diagrams and then fold on the inner lines until you have a five sided pyramid…tape together. Do the same thing for the second pyramid. Now place them bottom to bottom and tape them together this way. Then push a wood safety match stick, a pencil, or half of a chop stick through both holes. Now spin the top.
Toy Shoe Box Wagons
It isn’t hard to make a toy wagon. Just find an empty shoe box. Decorate it by painting it, covering it with wrapping paper, or however you want to decorate it. If you are to paint it, just add a little bit of Elmer’s glue to the paint to help the paint adhere to the waxy surface of the box. Also cut out 4 wheels and a handle and paint them as well. Then attach the wheels to the side of the box with paper fasteners…attach the handle to the bottom of the box with a paper fastener as well.
Make a Fishing Pole Game
Cut out the fish from sheet cork. Regardless of the design, the fish should be at least one inch wide and 2 inches long, so a hole may be punched, and so that they are a comfortable size for the kids to handle. After the fish have been cut out and punched, crayon heavily to waterproof the sheet cork, and to identify the fish. The hooks are bent paper clips, tied to the end of a string 12 inches long. Attach the other end of the string to a pencil-sized stick about 8 inches long. Do not have the string any longer, or the game will be too difficult to play. Throw the fish in a baby pool or a tub full of water. 3 or 4 kids to a tub and is plenty – see who can get the most fish.
How to Make a Toy Cable Car
A cable car is a vehicle which hangs on a long steel rope. It carries people between high cliffs and across valleys. Make a toy cable car from a box or can of any kind (part of a milk carton would also work). From wire or cardboard, form two hangers, choosing one of the shapes in the picture. Tape them to the sides of the box or can. For the wheel, have your parents cut the inner part from a spool and glue the two ends together (or use a bobbin or take the spool out of a vcr tape that your parents say that you can have). To hold them together, put a strong stick through the holes. Fasten the wheel to the hangers with two tacks or flat-headed nails. If your window is near a friend’s window, you can run a string on pulleys from one to the other, and hang your cable car on it. Then you can use it to carry messages back and forth.
Making Japanese Bean Bags for Juggling and Games
This sort of beanbag is used for assorted games and juggling in Japan. Because of its rounded shape, it flies through the air better than the conventional flat sort of beanbag. Leather is a lot easier to make this out of, but the normal Japanese beanbag is made out of cloth, so either one works. Make cardboard patterns for the pieces. Whatever the size made, use the proportion of twice as long as wide on the sections. Sections 1 1/2 by 3 inches make a nice handful. Attach the four pieces in a cross-shaped pattern as shown. Then turn and sew each section, one at a time, as shown, leaving the top open for stuffing. Stuff with enough beans to make the bag about 1 inch thick, and sew up the rest of the edges. Though it may be hard to visualize from words and diagrams, this is easy to make. Try a sample first.
Make a Tossing Knock Down Game
This knock down game is a great game to play at a picnic or cook out. The game is made from corrugated cardboard nailed to a wood base. The wood should be thick enough to hold up the target and run the length of the bottom. Fasten with large-headed nails, so that they cardboard will not pull out. Paint or crayon in numbers, a target, a clown face, or similar designs on the cardboard face. Compete agains your friends and family members. Use balls that you already have or you can make the Japanese Bean Bags or the Juggling Balls craft.
Tossing into the Target Game
These are made from corrugated cardboard, with holes cut out in the shape of the objects you want thrown in the game. Use a folded piece of cardboard, such as a pizza box, or hinge two pieces of cardboard with duct tape. Poke holes in the bottom corners of the boxes to attach together with rope or string. Decorate the faces with a target or baseball diamond, and cut holes in the cardboard a bit larger than the things to be thrown. You can use bean bags, sugar cubes or dice, corks, or other objects. Here are some Japanese Bean Bags.
Making Super High Bouncy Balls
If you have any toy jacks hanging around your house, and you have some rubber bands, you can make a super high bouncy ball. Just take the jack and loop the rubber band around the jack. Keep looping it around the jack until the band is tight around the jack. Add another rubber band…and another…and another until the ball is as big as you want it to be.
Make a Toy Mailbox to Play Mailman
This is very easy to make. Paint 2 cardboard boxes blue. Let completely dry. Then cut doors in the front of both boxes and glue together so both doors are in the front. Cut a slit on the top box’s top lid. Use rope for handles, tying knots in the back of the door to keep the rope on. Write US MAILBOX on the front. People sending mail can put the mail in the top slit, and packages in the top door. The mailman collects the mail with the bottom box so he can deliver the mail to people on his route.
Make Jumbo Bubble Wands
Use either craft wire or a wire coat hanger to make these jumbo bubble wands. These bubble wands make the huge bubbles that you have seen on tv or in the park. If you are using a clothing hanger, than you first have to untwist it. Make a huge circle and then twist teh rest of the wire upon itself so that no points are sticking out. Then fill a flat tin with bubbles and get blowing those bubbles.
Bubble Recipe
1 Cup Water (2)
2 Tablespoons Light Karo syrup or 2 Tablespoons Glycerin (3)
4 Tablespoons Dishwashing liquid
Just Mix together and you are set to go.
Crafting Toy Pencil Tops
To make this toy spinning top, you will need 1 thread spool, 1 pencil, one 3″ diameter cardboard disc, glue, 1 crayon, and scissors. Firstly, Color cardboard disc and spool. Glue disc to spool after making a hole in the center the same size as that in the spool. Insert pencil through disc and spool so point is opposite disc. (See sketch.) Now top is ready to spin!
More Toys and Games Crafting Ideas
How to Make a Magnetic Travel Board Games Set with Altoids Tins – Today I will show you how to make a really cool travel board games kit out of magnets, paper and an altoids tin. This is a great travel game board system that you can stick in your pocket to bring to school with you to play on the bus, in the cafeteria, or what ever. You could even bring it in the car with you to play with your sisters and brothers with. Or you can just play solo since there are 2 different solitaire games to play.
How to Make Juggling Balls & Stress Balls from Balloons and Lentils in Easy Craft Activity – Today we will show you how to make your very own juggling ballsβ¦.with balloons and lentils. This is a fun family activity to do with your sisters and brothers and parents. These juggling balls feel a LOT like stress balls, so they can also be used for that purpose as well. The step by step instructions can be found below.
Making a Velcro Bullseye Ball Tossing Game to Make for Children – Today we will show you how to make a game that is like darts, but safer. This is a Bulls-Eye Velcro Ball Tossing and Aiming game. All you need are a few things that are probably already in your house.
Trick-or-Treaters Paper Toy Craft – Print out this great paper craft. It includes 6 stand-up Halloween trick-or-treaters, background panorama items such as gravestones, a dead tree, moon, clouds, a flying witch, a pumpkin, and a cat. There are also stand up houses for the paper trick-or-treaters to visit.
How to Make Simple Pinball Machine with Recycled Materials Crafts Project for Kids – This is a super cool crafts activity that we are going to do today. If you love playing pinball, then you will love making this simple machineβ¦a pinball machine. Just recycle some old stuff from around your house β¦ such as a cardboard box, and let the fun roll inβ¦.literally.
How to Make a Mini Zip Line Moving Toy Crafts Idea for Kids – This is a really cool toy ideaβ¦one that can be changed for a lot of different variations of moving toys. This is an air ship / space ship zip line moving toy. Find out how to make this zip line toy that zips and moves, by reading the step by step, illustrated instructions below in our crafts project tutorial.
Make a Ring Toss Game – Learn how to make a simple ring toss game.
How to Make a Flying Butterfly Toy that Flies up to 15 Feet– This is an arts and crafts project to make a butterfly toy that will really fly up to 15 feet up in the air. This is for older kids as it is too difficult for younger kids to masterβ¦although they can with some supervised guidance from an adult.
Whistling Birdie Toy – Make a real Whistle that we call a whistling birdie with the following step by step tutorial. You make the bird whistle with a drinking straw, polymer clay, and a toothpick.
Making Paper Airplane Shooters – Find out how to make this paper airplane shooter with this easy woodworking project. Propel your paper airplanes!
How to Make Cardboard Tabletop Billiards Pool Table Craft for Kids – So what if you canβt afford a big expensive pool table to play billiards with. Today we will show you how to make a tabletop billiards game that you can make with a recycled cardboard box and some checkers (or bottle caps). If you can flick with your finger, than you will be able to play this game.
Paper – Cardboard Dress Up Doll – With our printable template, you can make a cardboard stand-up doll. Then print out our clothes, hair, and accessories templates, cut them out and stick them on the doll. So much fun.
How to Make Wind-Up Cardboard Carousels – Make a real working carouse/merry-go-round with cardboard boxes, spools, string, and a pencil.
Yarn Octopus – The craft is an easy one, but it is sure to be a lot of fun. This Octopus toy would make a great gift to give to somebody this Holiday Season. Or, if you likeβ¦. keep the toy for yourself.
How to Make a Balancing on Your Finger Paper Parrot on a Perch Toy – Learn how to make this cool long-tailed parrot that balances on a ringed perch. This cut-out paper toy printable is one that will swing in a ring or perch on oneβs finger or balance on a single toe. This is both fun to make and to play with. Find out how to make it below.
Make Sailor Moon Wands – If you love Sailor Moon…this is a great toy wand to make and play with.
Make Thanksgiving Games with 3D Pilgrim & Turkey Tic-Tac-Toe Game – Have a free afternoon and want to make the coolest craft you have ever made? All you need are a box, chopsticks, printer, paper, scissors, glue, and patience and you will have a fun Thanksgiving arts and crafts activity to keep you busy. This Thanksgiving game was a big hit in my house and I think your kids will love it too.
Spinning Tops Made with Paper Strips – All you need are some paper strips, glue, a pen, and a toothpick. You will see how easy these are to make and how much fun they are to play with.
Make Pull-Along Toy Snakes with Corks and String – Learn how to make your very own pull-along toy snake with the following instructions. It really turns out to be a really cool toy when finished. This is a great toy for boysβ¦who tend to love to scare girls with these cork snakes. Find the directions below.
Make Ring Toss Game – Learn how to turn a normal cardboard box into a fun ring toss game.
Make a Toss the Spool in the Hoop Game – Make this twist and aim game…you can’t touch the spool to the sides of the hoop or you lose the game.
How to Make a Toy Soldiers Parachute with a Paper Napkin Crafts Idea – Today we will show you how to make a toy parachute for your toy soldiers. If you donβt want to hook this to a toy soldier, you can use a cork instead. Itβs fun to make a parachute and more fun to see it float downward as a real parachute does. Itβs easy to make, too.
Making a Toy Puppet Marionnette– This is so much fun to play with and it only takes a little while to make. You can then put on a bunch of puppet shows for your friends and family members. Just make sure that you or your friends aren’t allergic to peanuts first.
Make Toy String Cup Phones – Learn how to make this classic toy phone.
Paper Spinner Airplanes – Okay, well these aren’t exactly airplanes but they are similar – they are a spinny flying fun time.
Milk Carton Toy Blocks – Learn how to make interlocking toy blocks with upcycled milk cartons.
Make a Toy Gas Pump – Use a Milk Carton to Make a Fun gas pump for your cars and other vehicles.
Wood Pocket Checkers – Have your parents help you with this woodworking project to make a pocket set of checkers.
How to Make Toy Movie Box Craft for Kids on Rainy Day – You can make movies out of your comic books or your own drawing, and have loads of fun showing them in this Peep-hole Movie Theater. Learn how to make this toy movie / cartoon show box out of a cardboard box and creativity. Find out how to make your own toy with the following easy directions.
Mini Chinese Checkers Game – Here is another woodworking project – find out how to make this child-size Chinese Checkers game.
How to Make a Shoe Box Doll House Arts and Crafts Project for Kids – Today we will show you how to make a really great toy doll house out of shoe boxes and other materials. This little two-story doll house with its gabled roof can be made in less than a half hour by any handy boy or girl.
How to Make Twist Tie Doll Figures with Moving Limbs for Your Doll Houses – If you want to make your very own play dolls out of recycled twist ties, then find out how to. They come out really cool, with hug-gable & twist-able arms and legs β¦ especially cool for Mom dolls that hug baby dolls. Find out how to make these from unused items around your house. Have fun.
Hopa Mitica Doll – Push it Down it Pops Back Up – Learn how to make a Romanian Doll, called a Hopa Mitica Doll.
How to Make Toy Parachute Crafts Instructions for Boys and Girls – All kids that I know love playing with toy parachutes. You can make a parachute that will float down from the sky with its passenger. You can tie on toy soldiers or other toy figures, or even a little doll of some sort for girls who would prefer that. Throwing the toy parachutes into the air after they are made is really fun, as you will see.
Make Spool Dolls – Learn the basic steps to making a spool doll figurine.
How to Make Tin Can Phones – The basic directions for making the classic toy tin can phones.
How to Make Color Wheel Spinning Toys Craft Idea – This is a good arts and crafts activity to teach kids about colors (and it is a lot of fun to play with). Kids will be so surprised when they find out that when they spin the toys, the colorful rainbow of colors turns into a charcoal gray. You can teach kids a little bit of science and lit bit of art with the use of this crafts project. Have fun.
How to Make Cardboard Doll Houses from Boxes for Girls & Boys – This two-story dollβs house is extraordinarily easy to make. It takes shape quickly and yet it is so sturdy that you will be playing with it for months. You will have great fun furnishing the rooms with the simple but real-looking furniture.
How to Make Cardboard Doll House Furniture with Old Boxes – Today we are going to show you how to make cardboard doll house furniture, decorations, and wall hangings. This is a great activity for a group of girls at a sleepover slumber party, for girl scouts, or for a boring rainy day.
Beanbag Orbit Game – Learn how to make this fun Eskimo game.
Fabric Strip Jump Ropes – This turns out amazingly, and they are so strong and beautiful to look out. These make great jump ropes.
Making Knight’s Toy Sword – Learn how to maket his pretty cool looking toy or costume sword.
Egg Carton Tossing Game – Paint points on each hole in an egg carton…then use beans, beads, or corks.
Easy to Make Kokeshi Dolls – This Dolls was made with a walnut, a wooen bead, some decorative paper, and paints. Make your doll with a lot of love.
Paper Twirler – Make this fun paper twirler with some wood blocks and some paper. It can be made in minutes but you can play with it for hours.
Making an Alphabet Letters Memory Game from Bottle Caps with Printables and Instructions– Today I will show you how to make a really cool Memory game that is great for any age child, but especially good for preschoolers and Kindergarteners who are still working on Alphabet Letters recognition. If you donβt have enough caps, you could also use coins, checkers, cardboard, or whatever else you have lying around the house.
Make Your Own Yo-Yos with Model Magic – Make these cool yo-yo toys by sculpting them with Crayola’s Model Magic. Find out how.
Cellophane Dancers – Make a dance studio with paper figures that jump and dance inside a cardboard box covered with cellophane.
Jigsaw Puzzles from Magazine Pictures – You can make your own jigsaw puzzle, find out how.
Intercome on Your Back – FInd out how to make your voice come out of a box on your back with the help of a hose and a funnel.
How to Make a Bullseye Game Finger Ring – This craft doubles as a ring and when you take it off, you can set it up to be a game.
Make a Hobby Horse Toy – Here is a craft to make a hobby horse from a broomstick and a sock.
Fishing Pond Game– Can you catch all the fish in the fish pond? It takes a lot of concentration and coordination, but I think you can catch them all.
Button in the Box – This is a fun game, learn how to easily make it.
Super Fast Airplanes : Paper Darts – Learn how to make these paper darts.
Lego Pinball Machines – Learn how to make a pinball machine with Legos.
How to Make a Wooden Ring the Stick Game – Make this fun game with a wooden stick and a cardboard tube.
Making Fun Light Battle Toy – Use Tin Foil to make these cool light battle boards.
Wood & Toilet Paper Roll Catch in Cup Game – This is a fun boredom-buster type game…find out how to make it with the following instructions.
Color Wheel Spinning Top – Find out which colors mix together make which resulting color – but have fun while you do it.
Shoebox & Spools Doll Bed – Make a bed or crib for a baby doll with a spool and a shoebox.
Milk Carton Movie Theater – View your comic strips in this milk carton movie theater.
Miniature Puppet Show Theater – If you have a shoe box and a free afternoon, learn how to make a really cool mini puppet peep box.
Flying Saucer Shuffleboard– Draw the shuffleboard game on the sidewalk and then use foil pans as the flying saucers.
Spin the Button on the String – This is a fun thing to do when you are bored. String a button on a string, spin it and pull.
Toy Clock for Learning to Tell Time – Preschoolers and young children can play with this toy clock to learn how to tell time.
Pie Pan Aiming Game – Throw & Aim the flying saucer into the hole of the coat hanger.
Paper Toy Rocking Horses – Print out this model horse, fold it in half and then use a paper clip to make it rock back and forth.
Make a Paper Bag Hobby Horse – Make this ride-on toy horse with a broomstick, some crepe paper, and some paper bags.
Making Wooden Hole-in-One Game – A great first-time woodworking project for kids. Use a cork, bead, or ball as the object to catch.
Wood Pocket Tic-Tac-Toe Game – Learn how to make this fun woodworking project.
Mini Yarn Puppet & Theaters – Make this mini yarn puppet in a matches box puppet theater.
Color Wheel Spinning Toy – This is a 3 tiered color wheel so it is more complex than other color wheel spinning toys. Find out what mixing 2 colors together results with.
Making Chestnut Bubble Pipes– With parental assistance, you can make one of these pipes to blow the best bubbles with. Find out how.
Fairy Lights Painting – Paint with fairy lights by using bubbles and paint. Turns out very cool.
Gag Jack in the Box – Hide a spring up Jack in the box guy that somes out of a little folder.
You Might Also Like Our Kite Making Crafts.. Airplane Making … Boat Making … Board Game Making Crafts Page … Doll Making … Doll House Furniture … Optical Illusions and Eye Tricks Page
Β
How to Make a Paper Football and Goal Game Tutorial
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It is football season andΒ we are combining our love of paper and fun kids activities andΒ sharing this age old fun on how to make a paper football and goal.
Celebrate football season with your kids and show them how to make a paper football.
Football season is upon us and man are we excited.
There is something about sitting down with family and friends and watching a game that makes for the best day.
We of course have the most amazing game day appetizers on hand and we love the idea of having some fun football games off to the side to play during commercial breaks or half time.
Growing up, we would would play the paper football game ALL THE TIME. I remember making them in every color and my sister and I would flick those babies back and forth on the dining table.
Be sure to check out the 101+ printables for kids like this HAPPY one.Β
We highlighted this football craft along with some other fun kids craft in ourΒ February Crafts for KidsΒ along with ourΒ 101+ Easy Craft Ideas for kids.
There really isn’t much to it, but just for funzies and in the case you didn’t know here is all you need to make this paper football and fun goal post.Supplies:
- brown paper
- 1 paper cup (I used green)
- 3 bending straws
- tape
- scissors
ThereΒ really is not much to make a goal post.
Simply tape the two bending straws together in the middle to create the U shape.
Cut a small hole in the bottom of the cup and stickΒ the non-bending end of the third straw into the hole and tape into place. Last, bend the end of the third strawΒ around theΒ bottom middle of the U shaped straws and tape in place.
Viola! You have yourself a fun little football field.
We’ve also created a fun Flick FootballΒ Scoreboard (free) printable along with some other football fun printables, printable football activities, and football bingo.
Other Paper Crafts You Might Enjoy
Other Games You Might Enjoy
CONNECT WITH MADE WITH HAPPY!
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HOW TO MAKE A PAPER FOOTBALL
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5 Crazy Simple (& Free!) Ways To Fill Family Game Night With Fun
Family game nights always sound like a fun ideaβ but have you found yourself acting as a referee in the βwhat game should we play?β battle?
Then, once you broker a peace with a game everyone is happy withβ¦you need to track it down, drag it off the shelf, confirm all the pieces are in the box, set it up, re-read the rules (maybe that last one is just me).
Game Night doesnβt need to be that complicated!
We like to keep family game night simple β these ideas are old favorites β with some new twists.
The best part? They are free! Bonus points because there is no clean up.Β Just recycle the paper and put the pencil back!
Read on for paper and pencil gamesΒ a stepΒ beyond tic-tac-toe!
You already have what you need to pull this off!
You need just 3 things:
- something to write with
- something to write on, and
- ideas for play!
(Psst β do you have a LEGO bin? We also have a bunch of simple LEGOΒ games perfect for a LEGO-themed game night!)
Looking to include little ones? β check out the βModify itβ sections below! Β These are ideas to let non-readers/early readers join in theΒ laughter, bonding, and great memories.
- Draw a SILLY Story:
- Take turns adding to a big sheet of paper.
- The first person starts drawing, and tells their part of the story, and then passes it on.
- The next person adds to the same story.Β
- I guess it doesnβt absolutely have to be a silly story β but they sure are fun!
- Modify It β Little ones can join right in on this one!
- PaperΒ Telephone:Β
- Youβve played telephone before, right? Where everyone sits in a circle and someone whispers to the next person, who whispers to the person next to them, and by the end βI want cheeseβ has turned into βMy eyes want to sneezeβ? This is the paper version!
- Hereβs how to play:
- Everyone starts with a piece of paper and a pencil.
- Each person draws a picture, then passes the paper to the person next to them.
- That person writes the caption of that picture. Then folds the paper down covering only the picture, not the caption, and hands the paper to the next person.
- The next person reads the sentence, draws the picture to go along with the sentenceΒ caption, andΒ folds the paper down covering the drawing, but leaving the Β caption.
- The next person in line then reads the caption, draws a picture for it, folds the paper over the caption, and hands it to the next personβ¦
- Keep passing the paper until you get your paper back.
- Modify it: Make sure that the little ones are the ones who get to draw. The person before them will whisper their sentence to them.
- Or let them tell (you can try to get them to whisper, but good luck!) the person next to them the sentence to write to go with the picture.
- The little ones may be loud with their sentence, but I guarantee you they will be funny!
- You can also have the little ones be the βfinal illustratorβ and have them work on drawing the resulting story.
- Scavenger Hunt:
- Divide into 2 teams, and each team goes into one room.
- Each team creates a list of items (agree on a number) for the other team to find.
- Exchange lists, and see who can complete the list first.
- Or come up with the list together and then each team tries to find it.
- Our tip β be specific. If the list says βshoelaceβ β and that lace must be out of the shoe, make sure the list says so!
- Modify it:Β Just make sure to read the items to the little ones. I would read one or two items at a time. Remembering a big list might be hard for the little ones.
- Charades: Divide equally into 2 teams. Each team chooses a tv show, quote, movie, song, or book for other team to take turns acting out.Β For complete rules, click here.
- Modify it: Tell the little ones what they need to act out- making sure itβs something they are familiar with.
- Pictionary: Similar to charades, but you draw rather than act out the clues.Β For complete rules, click here.
- Modify it: We have the adults and older kids do most of the drawing, and the littlest join in energetically for the guessing! They also sometimes draw their own clues- usually announcing, βIβm going to draw a ___!β before they begin!
- Classification: Β Each person creates a grid of 6 by 6 boxes. Agree on 5 categories, and choose a 5 letter word. Set the timer for 10 minutes, and try to come up with an item in each category for each letter of the word. This is one we play every time my extended family is together. We love it so much, check out this post for classification rules.
- Modify it: ok, this is one you really canβt modify. Which is why itβs a bonus 6th game on a list of 5! Although I will say that some of my favorite childhood memories are sitting with my cousin in the other room as a Classification βteamβ while my uncle helped us (ssh! donβt tell β we know helping was against the rules!).
And finally β the best part! No picking up pieces that rolled under the chair or digging in couch cushions for dice. Just recycle your paper and put the pencils away. Clean up is done!
A few other ideas to try out …
Rock, Paper, Scissors! β Real Python
Game programming is a great way to learn how to program. You use many tools that youβll see in the real world, plus you get to play a game to test your results! An ideal game to start your Python game programming journey is rock paper scissors.
In this tutorial, youβll learn how to:
- Code your own rock paper scissors game
- Take in user input with
input()
- Play several games in a row using a
while
loop - Clean up your code with
Enum
and functions - Define more complex rules with a dictionary
Free Bonus: 5 Thoughts On Python Mastery, a free course for Python developers that shows you the roadmap and the mindset youβll need to take your Python skills to the next level.
What Is Rock Paper Scissors?
You may have played rock paper scissors before. Maybe youβve used it to decide who pays for dinner or who gets first choice of players for a team.
If youβre unfamiliar, rock paper scissors is a hand game for two or more players. Participants say βrock, paper, scissorsβ and then simultaneously form their hands into the shape of a rock (a fist), a piece of paper (palm facing downward), or a pair of scissors (two fingers extended). The rules are straightforward:
- Rock smashes scissors.
- Paper covers rock.
- Scissors cut paper.
Now that you have the rules down, you can start thinking about how they might translate to Python code.
Play a Single Game of Rock Paper Scissors in Python
Using the description and rules above, you can make a game of rock paper scissors. Before you dive in, youβre going to need to import the module youβll use to simulate the computerβs choices:
Awesome! Now youβre able to use the different tools inside random
to randomize the computerβs actions in the game. Now what? Since your users will also need to be able to choose their actions, the first logical thing you need is a way to take in user input.
Take User Input
Taking input from a user is pretty straightforward in Python. The goal here is to ask the user what they would like to choose as an action and then assign that choice to a variable:
user_action = input("Enter a choice (rock, paper, scissors): ")
This will prompt the user to enter a selection and save it to a variable for later use. Now that the user has selected an action, the computer needs to decide what to do.
Make the Computer Choose
A competitive game of rock paper scissors involves strategy. Rather than trying to develop a model for that, though, you can save yourself some time by having the computer select a random action. Random selections are a great way to have the computer choose a pseudorandom value.
You can use random.choice()
to have the computer randomly select between the actions:
possible_actions = ["rock", "paper", "scissors"]
computer_action = random. choice(possible_actions)
This allows a random element to be selected from the list. You can also print the choices that the user and the computer made:
print(f"\nYou chose {user_action}, computer chose {computer_action}.\n")
Printing the user and computer actions can be helpful to the user, and it can also help you debug later on in case something isnβt quite right with the outcome.
Determine a Winner
Now that both players have made their choice, you just need a way to decide who wins. Using an if
β¦ elif
β¦ else
block, you can compare playersβ choices and determine a winner:
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action}. It's a tie!")
elif user_action == "rock":
if computer_action == "scissors":
print("Rock smashes scissors! You win!")
else:
print("Paper covers rock! You lose.")
elif user_action == "paper":
if computer_action == "rock":
print("Paper covers rock! You win!")
else:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You lose. ")
elif user_action == "scissors":
if computer_action == "paper":
print("Scissors cuts paper! You win!")
else:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You lose.")
By comparing the tie condition first, you get rid of quite a few cases. If you didnβt do that, then youβd need to check each possible action for user_action
and compare it against each possible action for computer_action
. By checking the tie condition first, youβre able to know what the computer chose with only two conditional checks of computer_action
.
And thatβs it! All combined, your code should now look like this:
import random
user_action = input("Enter a choice (rock, paper, scissors): ")
possible_actions = ["rock", "paper", "scissors"]
computer_action = random.choice(possible_actions)
print(f"\nYou chose {user_action}, computer chose {computer_action}.\n")
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action}. It's a tie!")
elif user_action == "rock":
if computer_action == "scissors":
print("Rock smashes scissors! You win!")
else:
print("Paper covers rock! You lose.")
elif user_action == "paper":
if computer_action == "rock":
print("Paper covers rock! You win!")
else:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You lose.")
elif user_action == "scissors":
if computer_action == "paper":
print("Scissors cuts paper! You win!")
else:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You lose.")
Youβve now written code to take in user input, select a random action for the computer, and decide the winner! But this only lets you play one game before the program finishes running.
Play Several Games in a Row
Although a single game of rock paper scissors is super fun, wouldnβt it be better if you could play several games in a row? Loops are a great way to create recurring events. In particular, you can use a while
loop to play indefinitely:
import random
while True:
user_action = input("Enter a choice (rock, paper, scissors): ")
possible_actions = ["rock", "paper", "scissors"]
computer_action = random.choice(possible_actions)
print(f"\nYou chose {user_action}, computer chose {computer_action}.\n")
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action}. It's a tie!")
elif user_action == "rock":
if computer_action == "scissors":
print("Rock smashes scissors! You win!")
else:
print("Paper covers rock! You lose.")
elif user_action == "paper":
if computer_action == "rock":
print("Paper covers rock! You win!")
else:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You lose.")
elif user_action == "scissors":
if computer_action == "paper":
print("Scissors cuts paper! You win!")
else:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You lose.")
play_again = input("Play again? (y/n): ")
if play_again.lower() != "y":
break
Notice the highlighted lines above. Itβs important to check if the user wants to play again and to break
if they donβt. Without that check, the user would be forced to play until they terminated the console using Ctrl+C or a similar method.
The check for playing again is a check against the string "y"
. But checking for something specific like this might make it harder for the user stop playing. What if the user types "yes"
or "no"
? String comparison is often tricky because you never know what the user might enter. They might do all lowercase, all uppercase, or even a mixture of the two.
Here are the results of a few different string comparisons:
>>>
>>> play_again = "yes"
>>> play_again == "n"
False
>>> play_again != "y"
True
Hmm. Thatβs not what you want. The user might not be too happy if they enter "yes"
expecting to play again but are kicked from the game.
Describe an Action With
enum.IntEnum
Because string comparisons can cause problems like you saw above, itβs a good idea to avoid them whenever possible. One of the first things your program asks, however, is for the user to input a string! What if the user inputs "Rock"
or "rOck"
by mistake? Capitalization matters, so they wonβt be equal:
>>>
>>> print("rock" == "Rock")
False
Since capitalization matters, "r"
and "R"
arenβt equal. One possible solution would be to use numbers instead. Assigning each action a number could save you some trouble:
ROCK_ACTION = 0
PAPER_ACTION = 1
SCISSORS_ACTION = 2
This allows you to reference different actions by their assigned number. Integers donβt suffer the same comparison issues as strings, so this could work. Now you can have the user input a number and compare it directly against those values:
user_input = input("Enter a choice (rock[0], paper[1], scissors[2]): ")
user_action = int(user_input)
if user_action == ROCK_ACTION:
# Handle ROCK_ACTION
Because input()
returns a string, you need to convert the return value to an integer using int()
. Then you can compare the input to each of the actions above. This works well, but it might rely on you naming variables correctly in order to keep track of them. A better way is to use enum.IntEnum
and define your own action class!
Using enum.IntEnum
allows you to create attributes and assign them values similar to those shown above. This helps clean up your code by grouping actions into their own namespaces and making the code more expressive:
from enum import IntEnum
class Action(IntEnum):
Rock = 0
Paper = 1
Scissors = 2
This creates a custom Action
that you can use to reference the different types of actions you support. It works by assigning each attribute within it to a value you specify.
Comparisons are still straightforward, and now they have a helpful class name associated with them:
>>>
>>> Action.Rock == Action.Rock
True
Because the member values are the same, the comparison is equal. The class names also make it more obvious that you want to compare two actions.
You can even create an Action
from an int
:
>>>
>>> Action.Rock == Action(0)
True
>>> Action(0)
<Action.Rock: 0>
Action
looks at the value passed in and returns the appropriate Action
. This is helpful because now you can take in the user input as an int
and create an Action
from it. No more worrying about spelling!
The Flow(chart) of Your Program
Although rock paper scissors might seem uncomplicated, itβs important to carefully consider the steps involved in playing it so that you can be sure your program covers all possible scenarios. For any project, even small ones, itβs helpful to create a flowchart of the desired behavior and implement code around it. You could achieve a similar result using a bulleted list, but itβd be harder to capture things like loops and conditional logic.
Flowcharts donβt have to be overly complicated or even use real code. Just describing the desired behavior ahead of time can help you fix problems before they happen!
Hereβs a flowchart that describes a single game of rock paper scissors:
Each player selects an action and then a winner is determined. This flowchart is accurate for a single game as youβve coded it, but itβs not necessarily accurate for real-life games. In real life, the players select their actions simultaneously rather than one at a time like the flowchart suggests.
In the coded version, however, this works because the playerβs choice is hidden from the computer, and the computerβs choice is hidden from the player. The two players can make their choices at different times without affecting the fairness of the game.
Flowcharts help you catch possible mistakes early on and also let you see if you want to add more functionality. For example, hereβs a flowchart that describes how to play games repeatedly until the user decides to stop:
Without writing code, you can see that the first flowchart doesnβt have a way to play again. This approach allows you to tackle issues like these before programming, which helps you create neater, more manageable code!
Split Your Code Into Functions
Now that youβve outlined the flow of your program using a flowchart, you can try to organize your code so that it more closely resembles the steps youβve identified. One natural way to do this is to create a function for each step in the flowchart. Functions are a great way to separate larger chunks of code into smaller, more manageable pieces.
You donβt necessarily need to create a function for the conditional check to play again, but you can if youβd like. You can start by importing random
if you havenβt already and defining your Action
class:
import random
from enum import IntEnum
class Action(IntEnum):
Rock = 0
Paper = 1
Scissors = 2
Hopefully this all looks familiar so far! Now hereβs the code for get_user_selection()
, which doesnβt take in any arguments and returns an Action
:
def get_user_selection():
user_input = input("Enter a choice (rock[0], paper[1], scissors[2]): ")
selection = int(user_input)
action = Action(selection)
return action
Notice how you take in the user input as an int
and get back an Action
. That long message for the user is a bit cumbersome, though. What would happen if you wanted to add more actions? Youβd have to add even more text to the prompt.
Instead, you can use a list comprehension to generate a portion of the input:
def get_user_selection():
choices = [f"{action.name}[{action.value}]" for action in Action]
choices_str = ", ".join(choices)
selection = int(input(f"Enter a choice ({choices_str}): "))
action = Action(selection)
return action
Now you no longer need to worry about adding or removing actions in the future! Testing this out, you can see how the code prompts the user and returns an action associated with the userβs input value:
>>>
>>> get_user_selection()
Enter a choice (rock[0], paper[1], scissors[2]): 0
<Action.Rock: 0>
Now you need a function for getting the computerβs action. Like get_user_selection()
, this function should take no arguments and return an Action
. Because the values for Action
range from 0
to 2
, youβre going to want to generate a random number within that range. random.randint()
can help with that.
random.randint()
returns a random value between a specified minimum and maximum (inclusive). You can use len()
to help figure out what the upper bound should be in your code:
def get_computer_selection():
selection = random.randint(0, len(Action) - 1)
action = Action(selection)
return action
Because the Action
values start counting from 0
, and len() starts counting from 1
, itβs important to do len(Action) - 1
.
When you test this, there wonβt be a prompt. It will simply return the action associated with the random number:
>>>
>>> get_computer_selection()
<Action.Scissors: 2>
Looking good! Next, you need a way to determine a winner. This function will take two arguments, the userβs action and the computerβs action. It doesnβt need to return anything since itβll just display the result to the console:
def determine_winner(user_action, computer_action):
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action.name}. It's a tie!")
elif user_action == Action.Rock:
if computer_action == Action.Scissors:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You win!")
else:
print("Paper covers rock! You lose.")
elif user_action == Action.Paper:
if computer_action == Action.Rock:
print("Paper covers rock! You win!")
else:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You lose.")
elif user_action == Action.Scissors:
if computer_action == Action.Paper:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You win!")
else:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You lose.")
This is pretty similar to the first comparison you used to determine a winner. Now you can just directly compare Action
types without worrying about those pesky strings!
You can even test this out by passing different options to determine_winner()
and seeing what gets printed:
>>>
>>> determine_winner(Action.Rock, Action.Scissors)
Rock smashes scissors! You win!
Since youβre creating an action from a number, what would happen if your user tried to create an action from 3
? Remember, largest number youβve defined so far is 2
:
>>>
>>> Action(3)
ValueError: 3 is not a valid Action
Whoops! You donβt want that to happen. Where in the flowchart could you add some logic to ensure the user has entered a valid choice?
It makes sense to include the check immediately after the user has made their choice:
If the user enters an invalid value, then you repeat the step for getting the userβs choice. The only real requirement for the user selection is that itβs between 0
and 2
, inclusive. If the userβs input is outside this range, then a ValueError
exception will be raised. To avoid displaying the default error message to the user, you can handle the exception.
Now that youβve defined a few functions that reflect the steps in your flowchart, your game logic is a lot more organized and compact. This is all your while
loop needs to contain now:
while True:
try:
user_action = get_user_selection()
except ValueError as e:
range_str = f"[0, {len(Action) - 1}]"
print(f"Invalid selection. Enter a value in range {range_str}")
continue
computer_action = get_computer_selection()
determine_winner(user_action, computer_action)
play_again = input("Play again? (y/n): ")
if play_again.lower() != "y":
break
Doesnβt that look a lot cleaner? Notice how if the user fails to select a valid range, then you use continue
rather than break
. This makes the code continue to the next iteration of the loop rather than break out of it.
Rock Paper Scissors β¦ Lizard Spock
If youβve seen The Big Bang Theory, then you may be familiar with rock paper scissors lizard Spock. If not, then hereβs a diagram depicting the game and the rules deciding the winner:
You can use the same tools you learned about above to implement this game. For instance, you could add to Action
and create values for lizard and Spock. Then you would just need to modify get_user_selection()
and get_computer_selection()
to incorporate these options. Updating determine_winner()
, however, would be a lot more work.
Instead of adding a lot of if
β¦ elif
β¦ else
statements to your code, you can use a dictionary to help show the relationships between actions. Dictionaries are a great way to show a key-value relationship. In this case, the key can be an action, like scissors, and the value can be a list of actions that it beats.
So what would this look like for your determine_winner()
with only three options? Well, each Action
can beat only one other Action
, so the list would contain only a single item. Hereβs what your code looked like before:
def determine_winner(user_action, computer_action):
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action.name}. It's a tie!")
elif user_action == Action.Rock:
if computer_action == Action.Scissors:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You win!")
else:
print("Paper covers rock! You lose.")
elif user_action == Action.Paper:
if computer_action == Action.Rock:
print("Paper covers rock! You win!")
else:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You lose.")
elif user_action == Action.Scissors:
if computer_action == Action.Paper:
print("Scissors cuts paper! You win!")
else:
print("Rock smashes scissors! You lose.")
Now, instead of comparing to each Action
, you can have a dictionary that describes the victory conditions:
def determine_winner(user_action, computer_action):
victories = {
Action.Rock: [Action.Scissors], # Rock beats scissors
Action.Paper: [Action.Rock], # Paper beats rock
Action.Scissors: [Action.Paper] # Scissors beats paper
}
defeats = victories[user_action]
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action.name}. It's a tie!")
elif computer_action in defeats:
print(f"{user_action.name} beats {computer_action.name}! You win!")
else:
print(f"{computer_action.name} beats {user_action.name}! You lose.")
You still do the same as before and check the tie condition first. But instead of comparing each Action
, you instead compare the action that the user_input
beats against the computer_action
. Since the key-value pair is a list, you can use the membership operator in
to check if an element resides within it.
Since you no longer use long if
β¦ elif
β¦ else
statements, itβs relatively painless to add checks for these new actions. You can start by adding lizard and Spock to Action
:
class Action(IntEnum):
Rock = 0
Paper = 1
Scissors = 2
Lizard = 3
Spock = 4
Next, add all the victory relationships from the diagram. Make sure to do this underneath Action
so that victories
will be able to reference everything in Action
:
victories = {
Action.Scissors: [Action.Lizard, Action.Paper],
Action.Paper: [Action.Spock, Action.Rock],
Action.Rock: [Action.Lizard, Action.Scissors],
Action.Lizard: [Action.Spock, Action.Paper],
Action.Spock: [Action.Scissors, Action.Rock]
}
Notice how now each Action
has a list containing two elements that it beats. In the basic rock paper scissors implementation, there was only one element.
Because you intentionally wrote get_user_selection()
to accommodate new actions, you donβt have to change anything about that code. The same is true for get_computer_selection()
. Since the length of Action
has changed, the range of random numbers will also change.
Look at how much shorter and more manageable the code is now! To see the full code for your complete program, expand the box below.
import random
from enum import IntEnum
class Action(IntEnum):
Rock = 0
Paper = 1
Scissors = 2
Lizard = 3
Spock = 4
victories = {
Action.Scissors: [Action.Lizard, Action.Paper],
Action.Paper: [Action.Spock, Action.Rock],
Action.Rock: [Action.Lizard, Action.Scissors],
Action.Lizard: [Action.Spock, Action.Paper],
Action.Spock: [Action.Scissors, Action.Rock]
}
def get_user_selection():
choices = [f"{action.name}[{action.value}]" for action in Action]
choices_str = ", ".join(choices)
selection = int(input(f"Enter a choice ({choices_str}): "))
action = Action(selection)
return action
def get_computer_selection():
selection = random.randint(0, len(Action) - 1)
action = Action(selection)
return action
def determine_winner(user_action, computer_action):
defeats = victories[user_action]
if user_action == computer_action:
print(f"Both players selected {user_action.name}. It's a tie!")
elif computer_action in defeats:
print(f"{user_action.name} beats {computer_action.name}! You win!")
else:
print(f"{computer_action.name} beats {user_action.name}! You lose.")
while True:
try:
user_action = get_user_selection()
except ValueError as e:
range_str = f"[0, {len(Action) - 1}]"
print(f"Invalid selection. Enter a value in range {range_str}")
continue
computer_action = get_computer_selection()
determine_winner(user_action, computer_action)
play_again = input("Play again? (y/n): ")
if play_again.lower() != "y":
break
Thatβs it! Youβve implemented rock paper scissors lizard Spock in Python code. Double-check to make sure you didnβt miss anything and give it a playthrough.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You just finished your first Python game! You now know how to create rock paper scissors from scratch, and youβre able to expand the number of possible actions in your game with minimal effort.
In this tutorial, you learned how to:
- Code your own rock paper scissors game
- Take in user input with
input()
- Play several games in a row using a
while
loop - Clean up your code with
Enum
and functions - Describe more complex rules with a dictionary
These tools will continue to help you throughout your many programming adventures. If you have any questions, then feel free to reach out in the comments section below.
We will learn how to make board games with your own hands: ideas, instructions and photographs
Board games are a great way to spend time with the whole family. Such entertainment can be made easily and quickly from scrap materials. The game, made by hand from wood, will become an original and memorable gift.
How to come up with an interesting game
In fact, the question of how to make a board game with your own hands should not be difficult. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to come up with one.Already existing entertainment is enough to while away the time with family and friends. You need to take a classic game as a basis and try to repeat it. The uniqueness of the finished product will be given by manual execution and the time invested in the thing, the work of the master.
The main thing is to determine the age of the players and their number. If the fun is intended exclusively for children, then it is worth performing it in the most vivid and beautiful form. The content should be matched to the individual interests of the child, then the child will be happy to spend time having fun.
What can be used to make a game
Materials for making entertainment are taken very different. You can do children’s board games with your own hands, both from paper and cardboard, and from felt or wood. It turns out very interesting when materials that are different in texture and color are combined.
Good fun for children can come from a metal candy box. The bottom of the package must be pasted over with paper pictures, and felt figures with sewn-in magnets can be taken as animals, objects and buildings.Such toys will stay on the field, and the box itself is easy to store and take with you on trips or for a walk with your child.
The photo shows an illustrative example of how to make a board game – a puzzle with your own hands. You need to take popsicle sticks and stick a picture on them, wait for the glue to dry. Then carefully cut the drawing with a paper knife. On the back of the sticks, you can stick pieces of Velcro, then the wooden puzzles will be conveniently attached to the felt backing.
Board games for children
There are some simple ways to make a board game for children out of paper. They only need paper or cardboard, pencils, felt-tip pens, a ruler – a stencil, scissors and glue.
To make cards for a game that develops a child’s memory, you need to cut an even number of rectangles of the required size from thick cardboard and apply paired drawings on them. Such cards can be used not only in the “Memori” entertainment. They will also be required for such popular fun as Imaginarium or Crocodile.In some games, for example, in “Chest”, instead of ordinary playing cards, you can also use children with pictures.
Dominoes can be very interesting entertainment for a child. The principle of entertainment is known and understandable to everyone, so there should be no questions about how to make a board game with your own hands. If you use self-adhesive colored paper, the chips can be made very quickly. It is better to draw multi-colored geometric shapes on children’s cards, so you can teach your child while playing.For those who are preparing to go to first grade, you can make dominoes with letters and numbers.
Try to repeat the well-known and simple game “Ladders”. To do this, you just need to draw a drawing paper into squares, number them. Then decorate each one and draw the stairs in no particular order. The role of chips can be played by small toys made of chocolate eggs, figures from a popular constructor, or just cute trinkets.
What can be used to make a board game board
To make a board game with your own hands, as a unique holiday gift, you need some skills of needlework, drawing and imagination.
An ordinary wooden table, with the right effort, can be turned into a very large and beautiful playing field. We recommend that you find out in advance the preferences of the hero of the occasion. When creating an original gift, be sure to take the time to study the rules of the game.
The game can be made in the form of a felt bag or any other fabric. This format will be very convenient for travel and outdoor entertainment. The bag is very convenient to carry and store all accessories in it. The gift will delight both adults and children.
Board games made of wood
Working with wood requires certain skills and experience. But even with a minimal set of skills, interesting and beautiful games can be made. You can take a regular cutting board as a basis.
Shown here, a well-finished plywood sheet has been painted with ink and covered with a thin layer of clear protective varnish. The game is very simple and straightforward, you don’t even need a set of rules, you just need to find a couple of dice and colorful figures that play the role of chips.
It is more difficult, but feasible, to make the variant of “Noughts and crosses” as in the picture. You will need nine identical wooden blocks and a frame exactly to their size. Details can be covered with stain or colored paint, on one side of the cubes, draw zeros on the other – crosses. An interesting game – the gift is ready!
Wood carvers can tackle more challenging projects with confidence. In the photo you see a game from hot Africa, it is called kalah or mancala.Archaeologists believe that it is older than chess. For a complete set, you will need a set of bright, multi-colored pebbles, a couple of cubes and a beautiful glass for storage.
13 ideas with photos and examples
When the whole family is playing board games, it becomes unclear who are the adults and who are the children: everyone is shouting, arguing, bargaining, and intriguing. Modern games evoke a lot of emotions, unite children and parents, and their only drawback is the high price. So, give up the pleasure?
Homemade games save you from big expenses and give you no less joy than purchased ones.In the Kidpassage article, you will read how to make board games for children with your own hands and where to get ideas for new board games.
Home board games in 10 minutes
A familiar situation: there is half an hour left, you could play, but all the home games are already tired. Getting out of it is easier than it sounds – a new playset can be created from scrap materials.
1. Tic Tac Toe
One of the simplest board games for children does not even require props – the fields for new games are usually drawn on paper.But it’s much more pleasant to use a personal set for the game. You can cut cards from cardboard and depict crosses and zeroes on them. You can find smooth stones and paint symbols on them with acrylic paint. You can sew figures out of felt. The original way is to take large buttons with four holes and lace half of them with colored threads crosswise.
βChildren like it when flowers and leaves, spiders and butterflies, cats and mice appear in the game instead of noughts and crossesβ.
In total, you will need 5 chips of each type for the game, if you use a field of 3 Γ 3 cells. To make the game more difficult, increase the number of cells on the field and, accordingly, the number of chips.
- Children age: 4+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 1-2 minutes
2. Finger twister
Everyone knows the Big Twister, and there is also a table version of this game – finger.On a sheet of 12 Γ 12 cm you need to draw (stick) 4 rows of 4 circles each. The first row should be yellow, the second blue, the third red, and the fourth green. For a tape measure, draw a circle, divide it into 4 equal sectors and draw yellow, blue, red and green circles on each edge. Mark two sectors with the letter P – they will indicate the positions for the right hand, two sectors with the letter L will show where to put the fingers of the left hand. An arrow can be easily made from an ice cream stick or from a regular paper clip, which you need to pin to the center of the tape measure with a button.
- Children age: 4+
- Number of players: 2 (plus host)
- Average game time: 5-10 minutes
3. Mikado
Forty-one bamboo skewers can quickly turn into a Japanese Mikado game. To start the game, you need to collect them into a fist, and then sharply unclench your fingers so that the skewers randomly spill out on the table. The players take turns taking out sticks from the pile, trying to do it so that other skewers do not move.
“You can make the game more interesting by putting colored stripes on the sticks and assigning a different number of points to each combination of stripes.”
In the classic Japanese game, a stick with a blue and a red stripe is considered the least valuable, the most valuable is a stick with a blue spiral – it is called “mikado”.
- Children age: 6+
- Number of players: 2-4
- Average game time: 10-20 minutes
4.Mill
Several lines drawn with a pen on a square field, and 9 black and white buttons – that’s all you need for this game. Its purpose, as in tic-tac-toe, is to line up three buttons in one row. But there are more options for moves, the buttons can be moved, so there is something to think about.
- Children age: 6+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 10-15 minutes
Games for two
It is not always possible to arrange family gatherings, and then games in which two participate will come in handy.You can play a game with the youngest child while the older one is busy with lessons, or you can organize a tournament according to the Olympic system.
5. Checkers
A game that develops observation and strategic thinking will never go out of style. If you don’t have a play set at home, make a board and checkers with your own hands. A board of 8 Γ 8 cells can be painted with paints or made from strips of black and white paper, intertwining them in a checkerboard pattern. Plastic lids can serve as figures – they need 12 pieces of two different colors.
βWhy not use figures from Kinder Surprises instead of checkers? The game played by hippos and gnomes will turn out to be very fun. ”
Checkers made of plastic caps are also suitable for playing Chapaeva. Children very quickly learn to calculate the strength of the click and evaluate the position of the checkers in order to knock out several enemy pieces at once with one blow.
- Children age: 4+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 10-20 minutes
6.Pentago
For this game you need four square fields, each of which is divided into 9 parts, and 18 balls of different colors. The goal of the game is to place 5 balls of your color in a row vertically, horizontally or diagonally. The task is complicated by the fact that after each move the player turns one of the squares.
The finished game field has holes to prevent the balls from rolling. At home, you can cut out 9 Γ 9 cm squares from corrugated cardboard, draw each one into 9 cells, and use two-color stud buttons instead of balls.If you are ready to spend a little more time, glue the bottle caps on the cardboard, replace the buttons with chips – when you rotate the fields, the caps will not let the chips move.
- Children age: 6+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 10-15 minutes
7. Beehive
Capturing someone else’s hive by rallying ants, beetles and grasshoppers around you is the main goal of the game. This requires strategic thinking, and chance hardly interferes with the process.
To make this board game with your own hands, you will have to devote a couple of evenings to drawing. Cut 11 equally sized white hexagons out of cardboard. Draw a bee on one of them, spiders on two, beetles on two more, also make 3 hexagons each with grasshoppers and ants. Prepare a second identical set of black hexagons. All that remains is to read the rules and arrange a battle between the two strategists.
- Children age: 8+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 10-30 minutes
Board educational games for the company
The real fun begins when a lot of people are involved.It is even better if the whole family first comes up with and draws a game, and then tries it out in practice.
8. Domino
This game trains attention and can be played countless times. To create a basic set, you need to cut 28 cardboard cards, the length of which is twice the width. Divide each card with a line in half and mark with dots, as in a classic domino.
If you are making a kit for small children, instead of dots, you can use pictures with animals, equipment, geometric shapes, colored blocks, etc.e. For a set of 28 cards, you will need 7 types of pictures, 8 pieces of each type. Use stickers or stamps to speed up your work.
- Children age: 3+
- Number of players: 2-4
- Average game time: 10-15 minutes
9. Monopoly
How many Whatman papers were drawn and how much βmoneyβ was cut when Monopoly could not be bought in a store! Now this board is released in many versions, but why not make your own, unique?
Of the materials, you will need a large sheet of paper at least 50 Γ 50 cm in size (the reverse side of smooth wallpaper is also suitable) – you will mark the playing field on it.You also need to cut out and fill in purchase cards, “Chance” and “Treasury” cards, draw money, come up with a designation for real estate objects (these can be cardboard circles or buttons). Dice and player tokens can be borrowed from another set, drawn and glued, bought in game stores.
This preparation takes a long time, and the whole family can work on creating the game. If you are not ready to spend a few days building your own Monopoly, print out the board template, cards and money – there are free samples on the Internet.
- Children age: 5+
- Number of players: 2-6
- Average game time: 60-120 minutes
10. Walking game
There are a lot of variations of board games-walkers, and their rules are intuitive – roll the dice and take as many steps as you have. There may be surprise cells on the playing field, from which you can quickly move forward, or you can go back, you can get a gift or lose something valuable.
βTake the plot of your favorite children’s fairy tale, invent your own story or take existing games as a basis; travel by land, sea, outer space or along the back of a boa constrictor; descend into the caves and build your own labyrinths – the game can be modified as you like. ”
The simplest option is a playing field with a track consisting of numbered cells. It is suitable for kids who are just mastering numbers. The older the children, the more difficulties can be envisaged: for example, making a field of individual squares that can rotate during the game, or pushing players to negotiate, trade and bluff.
- Children age: 4+
- Number of players: 2-6
- Average game time: 10-30 minutes
Educational games for toddlers
Children’s play is not always about interaction. Some activities help the child to feel their independence, develop the ability to rely on their own strengths, to trust themselves. An adult can be an assistant, explain the rules or the logic of actions.
11.Puzzles
A picture cut into several parts teaches a child to find a connection between a part and a whole, develops imaginative thinking. The smallest children need large, simple pictures of three or four parts. The older the child, the more details can be in the picture and the more parts need to be assembled into a single whole.
To make it easier for little fingers to act, stick pictures on thick cardboard. You can cut out parts with grooves and projections from multilayer cardboard, just like in real puzzles.
- Children age: 1+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 5-15 minutes
12. Memori
This game is aimed at developing visual memory, concentration, spatial and imaginative thinking. It will require an even number of picture cards, two cards of several types. You can start with 6-8 cards and gradually increase their number. The cards can contain colors, geometric shapes, letters, numbers, any kind of drawings.Stickers and stamps will help speed up the process of creating cards. You can simply cut into squares from colored cardboard.
- Children age: 3+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 5 minutes
13. Dancing Men
Counting sticks, twigs or tubules cut in half quickly turn into game elements. Of these, the child will add the little people that you draw on the sheet. You can prepare samples in advance, or draw them along the way.
Other figures are easily obtained from sticks – houses, cars, animals, plants. Children may have their own ideas of what and how to build.
- Children age: 3+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 10-20 minutes
Tips for making DIY games
- It is easier for novice players to copy existing games. When you have gained experience, you will be able to change the appearance of the field, add tasks and characters, and come up with new plots.Experienced board lovers create original games.
- Finished games have extensions and add-ons. You can create them yourself. For example, hand-drawn cards are often added to the popular game Train Ticket.
- There are sites where you can download templates for board games for children for free. They offer both the simplest games and the most complex ones – it would take more than one week to draw them by hand. With the printed templates, you can start playing in half an hour.
- Use materials at hand. So, game characters can be easily assembled from a construction set or folded out of paper using the origami technique.
You can sit for hours at board games, but parents are well aware that children will soon want to run and jump. As soon as this time comes, take a look at Kidpassage’s article on outdoor games for children. You will learn how a child can use energy without destroying the whole house.
How to make and play the Korean dakji game
Ddakji, sometimes called ttakji, is a traditional South Korean game played using stacked paper tiles.It is similar to the American game Pogs, which was popular in the 1990s, but there is no βpoppingβ element in the gameplay. All you need to play is origami folded ddakji tiles.
Korean ddakchi is great fun for kids. Folding tiles helps them learn basic origami techniques and fine motor skills. Playing with friends encourages them to work on social skills, such as sharing experiences, taking turns and being kind to winning or losing the game.
Collect your supplies
Spruce / Dana Interferes
You will need a few sheets of square origami paper. Choose paper of a suitable color or design. The size of the paper doesn’t matter as long as it is square. If you don’t have origami paper, cut a square out of heavyweight paper.
Fold paper in thirds
Dana Hinders / Spruce
To start doing ddakji, fold the paper in half, you can do this by eye or use a ruler.
Fold corners
Dana Hinders / Spruce
Fold the left corner up and the right corner down, as shown in the photo on the left.
Make the second block
Dana Hinders / Spruce
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second sheet of paper.
Join the squads
Dana Hinders / Spruce
Place the folded pieces in the order shown in the photo on the left.
Fold in flaps
Dana Hinders / Spruce
Fold in the left and right sashes.
Now fold the top flap down and under the right flap, then fold the bottom flap up and under the left flap.
Complete Ddakji
Dana Hinders / Spruce
If folded correctly, you don’t need tape or glue to glue the ddakji together. This makes ddakji a good example of modular origami.
To play Korean ddakji, select the thrower. Many people suggest choosing the thrower in the Rock, Paper, Scissors game, but it’s up to you.The other player places his dakji tile on the table. The throwing player attempts to throw his tile so that it flips over. If he succeeds, he saves the tiles. Therefore, it would be a good idea to stack a few tiles before starting the game.
Throwing ddakji looks simple, but getting the angle and strength needed to flip another player’s tile takes practice. If you are playing a game with very young children, emphasize that it is okay if they cannot flip the tiles right away.
You can make tiles of different sizes of paper to find out which is easiest for you to turn over. It is also helpful to aim for the fullest or most inflated part of the disc when you are trying to turn it over.
A video showing children playing the Korean ddakji game can be found on YouTube.
If you’re looking for more origami toys and games, try the origami looped paper airplane, origami toy making instructions, or the origami jumping frog tutorial.
90,000 ? DIY board games: ideas and step-by-step instructions
Not so long ago, before the development of the Internet and computer toys, both adults and children played board games in their free time. They were not as popular as they are now, but with their help people communicated live, in addition, it was possible to while away any evening and diversify friendly gatherings. Today, the Homius editorial staff offers several unique master classes on making board games with their own hands.
Such activities are interesting for both adults and children
PHOTOS: jili-bili.ru
Contents of the article
Types of homemade board games
In our single information space, there is no difference who is the manufacturer of board games. One and the same development can be popular both in Europe and in America or Australia. The types of entertainment are varied, many classifications are closely related. For example, economic theory turns out to be not only a logical game, but also an exciting adventure, and popular walkers are nothing more than a carefully thought-out strategy.
Joint activities unite the family, you can at this time discuss plans and problems along the way
PHOTO: market.yandex.ru
There are several classifications of board games that are suitable for a variety of companies and ages:
- for kids, their main task is development and learning, they teach the child to remember the names of geometric shapes, shapes and sizes;
- fillers or card board games – exciting activities according to simple rules that are understandable for both adults and children;
- logical board lessons are aimed at developing thinking, building an interconnected chain of varying degrees of complexity;
- walkers are fairy-tale characters moving sequentially.The topic can be different, for example, horror films, colorful adventures;
- fighting games – there is a direct conflict in them. The game is played on the field or without it, cards with different teams are involved here;
- tabletop friendly party activities specially designed for multiple participants;
- large strategic missions are intended for those with a lot of time;
- wargames are military tactical battles with a huge number of miniatures, rather complicated rules and a mandatory field.
Having chosen the topic, age and number of participants, you can start making it yourself.
Strategic battles for adults can be designed for holding several tournaments over a long time
PHOTO: tdko.su
How to make a board game with your own hands for players of different ages
Any board game not only develops the child’s imagination and logic, but also allows him create your own playing field and characters. She will distract children from computers and mobile gadgets.
Before creating your board game, you need to think over the scheme and develop the following steps:
- the main idea of ββthe game;
- for what age it is intended;
- layout or sketch – a short outline of the content of the game;
- search for suitable materials, taking into account the age of the players;
- creating a game.
It is important to determine in advance the scale of the future product, taking into account the age of the participants. It will be interesting for kids to play with large parts on the floor, for older children it is best to create a board game on paper so that they can study sitting at the table.
Board games and materials intended for toddlers should be, first of all, safe
PHOTOS: mothercare.ru
DIY board game for preschoolers
For the smallest children, you can offer to print out a simple board game with fairy tale characters or cartoon characters. Another option is tic-tac-toe. Such a game helps to develop logic and attentiveness, as well as to calculate the opponent’s actions one step forward.These are irreplaceable qualities in adult life.
Tic-tac-toe can be replaced with bright crafts, for example, ladybirds or flowers, here the imagination is not limited. Toddlers will be able to explore geometric shapes or shades.
Here the child learns the colors of the figures
PHOTO: gretahome.ru The game can even be decorated on a decorative pillow, on which the parts are attached with Velcro
PHOTO: mama.md Felt is a universal material for children’s board games
PHOTO: babyblog.ru
Homemade board game for schoolchildren
Children of primary school age will like the game “Labyrinth”, it develops not only the eye, but also dexterity.Let’s consider in more detail all the features of its design.
You can watch the video in more detail:
DIY board games for teenagers
One of the most popular not only in Russia, but also in the world of board games – “Monopoly”, it was invented about eighty years ago. since then has acquired many variations from the original idea.
To make the board game “Monopoly” with your own hands, it is necessary not only to print, but also to think over all the conditions in advance, taking into account the age of the players.You can slightly adjust and adjust the rules for the smallest gaming businessmen.
The playing field is best made of a sheet of Whatman paper; for durability, it must be well glued with tape on the back side. In the center, draw a closed field, which you can decorate as you wish. All other points, for example, the level of difficulty, the plot, the number of game cells are determined individually.
When the playing field is prepared, all the marks are applied to it, you need to draw cards with conditions, as well as make your own bills and chips.The preliminary work, the search for the name of the currency, the choice of figures will bring a lot of pleasure not only to children, but also to adults.
Advice! In order to avoid disputes, the rules should be written on a separate sheet and always kept in front of your eyes.
PHOTO: technostar.ru PHOTO: slotobzor.com
In the video you can learn more about creating this exciting activity with your own hands:
How to create a board game for the whole family with your own hands
For the whole family, you can make a universal adventure game with your own hands …For example, your favorite fairy tale will become an interesting plot of your trip around the world. It is necessary to think in advance about a difficult path full of turn-based traps and tricks that send the heroes many steps back or force them to skip several turns.
You can draw a board game-walker yourself on a sheet of Whatman paper or create in Photoshop, and miniature toys from kinder surprises, as well as acorns or even chestnuts, painted in different shades, are suitable as chips.
PHOTOS: gelios-kids.ruPHOTO: rybinskblog.ru
Do-it-yourself board games at home from scrap materials
Absolutely any materials that are available in almost every home are suitable for creating board games.
Board games made of wood
Wood is the most practical material, board games made of it will last a long time. To make crafts, you do not always need to have the professional experience of a carpenter; you can pick up quite affordable master classes that even a person without special skill can do.
Jigsaw puzzle from ice cream sticks
Easy and simple to make a jigsaw puzzle for toddlers using ice cream sticks. The order of work will be built from the following stages.
- Collect 7-10 wooden ice cream sticks and place them on a flat table top.
- Print a nice picture and stick it on sticks. The second option is to draw your own drawing on them.
- After the glue has dried, cut the sticks.
- You can additionally stick Velcro on the sticks and fix them on the piece of felt.
PHOTO: smilik.tv PHOTO: floxa.blogspot.com
Domino
Domino is a universal game, it is suitable for any company. It is necessary to prepare 28 wooden chips on which you need to draw or burn out circles-numbers. For babies, you can create a special children’s version with geometric shapes.
PHOTO: shtuchki.org.ua PHOTO: dolodom.com PHOTO: svoimi-rykami.com.ua
Do-it-yourself board game “Tangram”
You can cut out the details of the game “Tangram” from plywood or wood.You should first select a picture and print it. The point of the game lies in the selection of elements, they need to be positioned in such a way that a contour is obtained, while the details should not overlap each other.
Advice! Be sure to sand all the details so as not to injure the kids.
PHOTO: detkipodelki.ru PHOTO: tr.redsearch.org PHOTO: detkipodelki.ru
How to make a print-and-play paper board game with your own hands
If you are looking for how to make a board game out of paper, you can pick up a huge set ready-made options on the Internet and just print the appropriate one.
Geographic puzzles
An unusual version of the board game will be interesting and useful not only for children, but also for adults. You can simply print any physical or contour map, paint certain areas, stick it on a thick sheet or cardboard and cut into arbitrary geometric shapes.
PHOTO: infourok.ru PHOTO: schoolearlystudy.ru PHOTO: milamama.ru
Attention
Attention game is very popular. You need to print or color an odd number of round or rectangular cards, in which similar pictures are repeated in pairs.The rules are to find a pair, the winner will be the player who has collected the maximum of the same drawings.
PHOTO: chelnyogneupor.ru PHOTO: weekend.today PHOTO: co.pinterest.com
How to create a board game “Alias ββ- say otherwise”
This is a team game, each participant pulls out a card on which a few words are written. It is necessary to say in other words the necessary meaning, as an addition, you can use the sounds of animals, as well as cards on which emotions or actions are depicted.
It is necessary to prepare 30 blanks, in each of which write 8-10 words. Only 1 minute is given for 1 card, the team that guessed the most words will win. This is a great way to develop not only logical thinking, but also vocabulary.
PHOTO: multiurok.ru
How to make your board game from other materials
For making board games, you can use absolutely any materials at hand. The main thing is that they are safe and do not hurt the players.
Fleas
This is a great board game for two people, which is easy to make with your own hands. Instead of chips, you can use beans here. The principle is as follows.
- Press the edge of the bean with a coin.
- The bean must bounce like a flea.
- The flea must hit the enemy gate as quickly as possible. After that, the player is awarded a point, and the bean leaves the field.
- If a bean enters its own field, it can be used in the future, but if it is in the opponent’s field, it simply remains lying until the next move, and the point is not counted.
- If the flea hits its own goal, then the point goes to the opponent.
- The game is played as long as the players have fleas on the field.
PHOTO: svoimirukamy.com PHOTO: nastanova.com
To develop memory
For the board game, you need to download and print 16 cards with paired images or drawings. One player lays out the cards in random order, the second turns for only 5 seconds in order to memorize the drawings. Then he turns away, while the cards are turned over.In 1 minute, the player must find as many pairs as possible.
PHOTO: svoimirukamy.com PHOTO: shop.amelica.com
Checkers and chess
You can make checkers yourself from ordinary caps, as well as buttons or circles sewn from any fabric. Many even use plasticine for this. Here, there is no need to limit imagination, let the children and their friends show their creativity.
Unusual chess, which will not walk, but jump, can be made in the form of black and white frogs.Names must be written on the back of each reptile. The video shows the whole process in more detail:
PHOTO: yandex.ru PHOTO: yandex.ru PHOTO: svoimirukamy.com
Where can you download and print the board game
There are several services that offer free download of the board game without registration, which you can then at any time print. This is a good option, you do not need to waste time making do-it-yourself development cards. As a rule, the field in such games is already ready, but the rest of the chips and figures may require improvement.
If you are looking for free sources for the production of board games, we suggest paying attention to the following resources:
- printplay.ru;
- boardgamer.ru/category/print-n-play;
- printgames.ru.
If you are in doubt whether you will like a board game, whether it is suitable for the whole family, you can go to the rental, test the selected option and only after that start making your own.
Conclusion
Now you know which board games you can make with your own hands.Be sure to involve the whole family in the preparation, together it is much easier and more fun.
Share in the comments what board games you prefer to spend your free time with.
Be sure to like it to save the material for future reference and do not forget to subscribe to our magazine, so you will not miss the most useful articles.
Finally, we offer you to look at 8 unique ideas for making board games for the whole family with your own hands:
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90,000 15 best games on paper
21 July 2019
In the midst of the holidays, let’s remember the road games, for which you only need a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil.Even the longest road will seem quick and easy to you with your child π
Typesetter or Words from words
Remember this game when my parents or friends made other words from letters of various signs and inscriptions?
So, on a piece of paper we write a long word. Each player writes down as many words as possible, which can be composed from the letters of the original word.
How many words can you make? π
Scallop
Write a few letters on a piece of paper (you can start with two or three).It is necessary to come up with as many words as possible in which these letters occur. Letters can be swapped.
A more difficult option: make sentences from the words found. Can you handle it?
Name-Plant-Animal-River
Each player needs a pencil and a piece of paper to play. We divide the sheet into 5 columns: name, city, plant, animal, river. There can be more or less columns, as agreed.
Select a letter of the alphabet and forward: by the command “Start!” you need to write in each column a word starting with this letter.The first one to make it shouts “Stop!” π
Only unique words win. This game trains your memory perfectly!
Next, you need to check the results. Words that have been encountered by several players are crossed out and not counted. For example, with the letter “m” it is more profitable to write “mongoose” rather than “bear” or “Melbourne” rather than “Moscow”.
The number of remaining words is scored: each unique word – 1 point.Whoever scored the most won this round. Choose another letter and start the next one!
We have a whole section of the catalog dedicated to word games, puzzles and other useful pastime. You’ll like it!
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Sea Battle
This game is for two players.Its purpose is to sink all enemy ships. The ships are located on two square fields measuring 10 by 10 cells. Rows are numbered, columns are letters.
You place ships in your field, and the enemy strikes them. And on another field, the enemy places his ships at which you “shoot”.
Each player has an equal number of ships – 10 pieces:
- Single-deck (1×1 cells) – 4 pieces
- Double-deck (1×2 cells) – 3 pieces
- Three-deck (1×3 cells) – 2 pieces
- Four-deck (1×4 cells) ) – 1 piece
When placing ships, keep in mind that there must be at least one empty cell between them, you cannot place ships close to each other.
Experienced players have their own strategy for placing ships π
On his turn, the player chooses a cell on the opponent’s field and βshootsβ, calling its coordinates: βA1β, for example. At the same time, marks this move on its additional field.
If you sunk an enemy ship, then the opponent must say βkilledβ, if you wounded the ship (that is, you hit a ship with more than one deck), then the opponent must say βwoundedβ.If you hit your opponent’s ship, you continue to βshootβ.
The game ends when all ships of one of the players are “sunk”.
And your “Sea Battle” is also one of your favorite childhood games?
There are special collections “on the road” that will suggest you a new game every day. Enough for a long time!
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Tic-tac-toe
A playing field 3 by 3 cells is drawn (9 cells in total).The players take turns making moves, placing a cross or zero in an empty cell. Purpose of the game: build a line of three crosses or zeroes horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Whose will it take? You can play endlessly! Until the paper runs out π
When you get bored with playing on a small field, you can play a complicated version of . Believe me, this is very interesting!
First, let’s prepare the field: in each cell of the usual playing field there is one more – a small one.
When making a move, place a cross or zero as usual. Having won on a small field, you mark the entire large square with a cross or zero. To win the game, you need to win on three small squares in one row – everything is like in ordinary tic-tac-toe π
Inside each cell of a large playing field there is a small
At the same time, you cannot, at your discretion, choose a small field in order to resemble.The choice is determined by your opponent’s previous move. The cell of the small field into which he made a move is the small field in which you have to make a move. And the square in which you play, in turn, determines in which small square your opponent’s next move will be.
For example, if your opponent went to the upper right corner on a small field, then your field for the next move will be the field in the upper right corner of the large field.
One player’s turn determines the field for another player’s next move.
- If your opponent sends you to a small field, in which you have already won a victory, but there are empty cells left, you will have to choose one of them.You will no longer be able to influence the outcome of the game in this field, but at least determine where your opponent will move.
- And if your opponent sends you to an already filled field, then in this case you can choose any of the fields for your move.
Have you tried playing “difficult” tic-tac-toe?
If there is a draw in one of the small fields? This issue should be discussed in advance and one of two options should be accepted:
- the field is considered neither a cross nor a zero;
- the field counts as both a cross and a zero.
And if you win in three fields in a row – this is a mega-victory π
Where are we going to draw noughts and crosses? Of course, in a checkered notebook! This is where the White Rabbit comes in handy. We have notebooks for all occasions!
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Tanks
The game requires a notebook sheet folded in half.Two players draw 10 tanks, each on its own half of the sheet. Having finished the alignment of forces, the players begin to “fire” each other in this way: the player draws a shot in his half of the field, then folds the sheet in the middle, and the shot is imprinted on the opponent’s half.
- If a tank is hit by a shot, it is considered “hit” and one more additional shot is needed to completely destroy it.
- If the player got directly into the tank, then one shot is enough.
- Each successful shot gives the player the right to the next shot.
- To complicate the game, you can prohibit the next shot at a newly wrecked tank.
In a real toy tank, I will throw obstacles like cans!
Palm
This game can be played even with small children who are already familiar with numbers.
To play you will need two sheets of paper in a cage, on each sheet the player traces his palm. Now numbers from 1 to … are randomly placed in the palm of your hand (here you need to agree on the limit in advance).Now let’s play!
- One player calls an arbitrary number,
- another at this time tries to find this number on his palm,
- and the first player, meanwhile, quickly puts crosses in the cells on his sheet, starting from the upper left cell.
The winner is the one who fills all the cells of his field with crosses faster.
Well, almost coloring – drawing on the palm by numbers π
Points and Segments
The conditions of this game on paper are simple: several points are put on the sheet (at least 8, and preferably at least 15).Two players play, alternately connecting any two points with segments.
- The third point cannot be captured.
- Each point can only be the end of one line.
- The lines must not intersect.
- The player who cannot make a move loses.
Point, point and segment, here it came out … winner!
Points
Each player must have a pen or pencil of their own color.In turn, the players put dots in arbitrary places at the intersection of cells. The goal of the game is to capture as many paper possessions as possible.
A territory is considered conquered if it is surrounded by dots of its own color. The points should be spaced from each other at a distance of one cell horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The captured territory is painted over with its own color or a fortress wall is drawn around it (bold line). If you managed to enclose the territory or points of the enemy with points, they are yours.After such a capture, the player is given the right to make an extra move.
Two fortresses. Who will surround whom?
In some variants of the game, it is possible to capture only those territories where there are already enemy fortifications. In others, any land, including free land, is available to you. Choose what you like best.
At the end of the game, the size of the captured lands is calculated and the winner is announced.
If there are no pens or pencils of different colors, one player can put dots, and the other – crosses
By the way, playing the dots will be brighter and brighter with colored gel pens from the White Rabbit π We have just opened an online store, we ask for your support! Thanks!
Delivery date: Dec 7
1 192 β½
1 325 β½
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Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Snake
Draw a 7×7 square playing field on a piece of paper.Two adjacent sides of a square must be of the same color (for example, red), the remaining two should be different (for example, blue).
Put red and blue dots in any places on the playing field. Now the players make moves in turn, starting to draw broken lines-snakes from the point of “their” color “with their own” pencil.
- In one move, the line is lengthened by one square in any direction (but not diagonally).
- Lines should not intersect, they can be drawn along the side of the playing field, but these should not be sides of “their” color.
- Anyone who has nowhere else to renew their snake loses π
A small snake, not at all a rattlesnake, I draw on paper from time to time π
Hangman
The essence of this game is to guess a word by letter in a certain number of moves.
One player (leader) thinks of a word. He writes its first and last letters, and puts dashes instead of missing letters.
The task of the second player is to guess the hidden word.He names any letter. If this letter is in the word, the presenter writes it in his own place. If not, then the letter is written aside, so as not to repeat itself, and they begin to draw a “gallows” – a vertical line. With the next error – horizontal (it turns out something like the letter G). Then, with each unpredictable letter, they finish drawing a rope, a loop, a man’s head, torso, arms and legs. During these few attempts, the player must guess the word. If it didn’t work out, I lost. If you have time, it is his turn to guess the word π
The word or the gallows? / Shall we have some fun with the gallows? π
Balda
This word game can be played by two, three or even one.
A square playing field with 5×5 cells, for example, is drawn on a piece of paper. In the middle row, write a word of five letters. Players take turns making moves.
- In one move, a letter is inscribed in a free cell in such a way that a new word is formed each time.
- Words can be read in any direction except diagonal.
- For each word, the player receives as many points as there are letters in the word.
- Words are written on the side of the field so that other players do not repeat them.
- The game ends when all cells are filled with letters or none of the players can think of a new word.
- The number of points is then calculated. The winner is the one who has the most of them.
Balda, but the vocabulary has hoo!
If you want to become a pro of letters and words, you have to train! We advise you to play words more often. Keep useful games so as not to lose your verbal form π
Delivery date: Dec 7
967 β½
1,075 β½
β10%
Delivery date: Dec 7
Delivery date: Dec 7
Nonsense
Each player is given a piece of paper and a pen.The facilitator asks the question: “Who?”, And the players write the answer to this question on the top of the piece of paper. Then this part of the sheet is folded, the players change sheets, and the presenter asks the following question: “When?” Everyone writes the answer. Then they fold the edge of the sheet again, change again, and so on.
- Where?
- What did you do?
- What came of it?
When all the answers are written, unfold the sheets and read. It turns out very funny!
An excellent writing and reading simulator, better than any spelling and primer!
Drawings
A game that trains the imagination.The first player draws some part on a piece of paper, for example, a teapot spout. The second player continues, and it is no longer a teapot nose, but an elephant’s trunk.
What will happen in the end? You can never tell in advance!
Diagonal
Squares with sides 7, 6, 5, 4 and 3 cells are drawn on a sheet. In each square, the same vowel is written diagonally. The players’ task is to come up with suitable words and write them in the squares.
We train memory, expand vocabulary!
Enjoy your road and fun games!
90,000 10 games on paper – Let’s play together! – LiveJournal
In our childhood there were a lot of different games, most of them we just kept in mind, the rules were passed to each other during the game. For many of these games, just a couple of pencils or pens and a sheet of paper were enough.
Games on paper can be safely called the smartest and most developing. And now they are very undeservedly forgotten. It is worth teaching children to play these games, and you can always take them on a long journey or in rainy weather at home and in the country.
1. Tic Tac Toe
This is the most famous of these games. She doesn’t always need paper either, just a fogged-up window glass in a minibus or a couple of twigs and sand underfoot …
A 3-by-3 playing field is drawn (9 cells in total).The players take turns making moves, placing a cross or zero in an empty cell. Purpose of the game: build a line of 3 crosses or zeroes horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It is extremely difficult to win in this game, basically the game is reduced to a draw and more than one game is played.
Still, there are certain combinations of moves that lead to victory. ))
When playing on a small field gets bored, you can increase the field or not limit it at all. On such a field, players take turns making moves until someone manages to build a line of five characters horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
2. Sea Battle
This is one of the most beloved games of our childhood. ))
I think everyone remembers the rules. And for those who do not remember, we will remind you. This game is for two.
The object of the game is to sink all enemy ships. The ships are located on 2 square fields measuring 10 by 10 cells. On your field, you place ships and the enemy strikes them. And on another field, the enemy places his ships. Each player has the same number of ships – 10 pieces:
Single-deck (1 cell size) 4 pieces
Double-deck (2 cells size) 3 pieces
Three-deck (3 cells size) 2 pieces
Four-deck (4 cells size) 1 piece
When placing ships on the field, you must take into account that there must be at least one empty cell between them, you cannot place ships close to each other.
During his turn, the player chooses a cell on the opponent’s field and βshootsβ, calling its coordinates βa1β, for example. At the same time, he marks his move on his additional field. If you sunk an enemy ship, then the opponent must say “killed”, if you wounded the ship (that is, you hit a ship with more than one deck), then the opponent must say “wounded”. If you hit the opponent’s ship, you continue to βshootβ.
The game ends when all ships of one of the players are “sunk”.
3. Tanks
To play, you need a sheet of A4 folded in half (you can take any notebook sheet). Two players draw 10 tanks, each on its own half of the sheet. Having finished the alignment of forces, the players begin to “fire” each other in this way: the shot is drawn in their own half of the field, then the sheet is folded in the middle and the shot, visible in the light, is marked in the second half of the field. If the shot touches the tank, then it is considered βhitβ and one more additional shot is needed to destroy it.If the player has hit directly into the tank, then one shot is enough.
Each successful shot entitles the player to the next shot. To complicate the game, you can impose a ban on the next shot at a newly wrecked tank.
4. Hands
This game can be played even with small children who are already familiar with numbers.
It will help you learn how to quickly navigate in numbers and concentrate.
For the game, you need two sheets of paper in a cage, on each sheet the player traces his palm.Now, in the space limited by the drawing, numbers from 1 to … are placed in random order. Here you need to agree in advance. Then the game begins. One player calls an arbitrary number, the other at this time tries to find this number on his palm, and the first player, meanwhile, quickly puts crosses in the cells on his sheet, starting from the upper left cell. The winner is the one who quickly fills all the cells of his field with crosses.
5. Points and lines.
The conditions of this game on paper are simple: put several dots on a piece of paper (at least 8, and preferably at least 15).Two people play, alternately connecting any two points with a segment. You cannot capture the 3rd point, and each point can be the end of only one line segment. The segments must not overlap. The one who cannot make a move loses.
In the pictures you can see the correct connection of the points.
and wrong
6. Points
We played this game at the institute during boring lectures. She develops tactical and strategic thinking.
A regular sheet of paper in a box serves as a playing field, if you have a lot of time and patience, you can play on a whole notebook spread.The playing field can be outlined with a line and the rules forbid to put points on this border. Each player must have a pen or pencil of their own color. In turn, the players put dots in arbitrary places at the intersection of cells.
The object of the game is to capture as many paper holdings as possible. A territory is considered conquered if it is surrounded by dots of its own color. The points should be spaced from each other at a distance of one cell horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The occupied territory is painted over with its own color or a fortress wall is drawn around it (bold line).If you managed to enclose the territory or points of the enemy with points, they are yours. After such a capture, the player is given the right to make an extra move. In some variants of the game, you can only capture those territories where there are already enemy fortifications. In others, any lands are available to you, including free ones. Choose what you like best. At the end of the game, the size of the captured lands is calculated and the winner is announced. More often than not, you don’t need to count anything on purpose – the result is obvious.
Can also be played with younger children.In this case, you should make the playing field very small – a quarter of a notebook page or even less, and take paper with large cells.
7. Numerals
Did you play such a game on a checkered notebook at school or college? Our dorm floor played. ))) I held on for a long time, but then I plunged into it with my head, but an hour home by train flew by unnoticed.
It was called differently: numbers, numbers, seeds, 19, but this did not change the meaning.You write out the numbers from 1 to 19 in a row, in a line up to 9, and then you start the next line, in each cell 1 digit. Then you cross out paired numbers or giving a total of 10. One condition – the pairs must be next to or across the crossed out numbers horizontally or vertically. And after you have crossed out all possible pairs, you rewrite the remaining numbers at the end. The goal is to cross out all numbers completely.
8. Hangman
A bit inhuman game, but still. As a child, we combined the courtyard game of Cossack robbers with the “gallows!”
The meaning of this game is to guess a word by letter in a certain number of moves.
One player thinks of a word (simple and short to start with). He writes his first and last letters, and instead of missing letters we put dashes. The task of the second player is to guess the hidden word. He names a letter. If this letter is in the word, we enter it in place. If not, then we write the letter aside so as not to repeat itself, and we begin to draw a “gallows” – a vertical line. With the next error – horizontal (it turns out something like the letter g).Then the rope, loop, man’s head, torso, arms and legs are drawn. During these few attempts, the player must guess the word. If it didn’t work out, I lost. If he did, itβs his turn to guess the word.
9. Balda
Another word game. Here you can play together, three or even one.
A square playing field with 5×5 cells, for example, is drawn on a piece of paper. In the middle row we write a word of five letters. Players take turns making moves. In one move, a letter is inscribed in a free cell in such a way that a new word is formed each time.Words can be read in any direction except diagonal. For each word the player gets as many points as there are letters in the word. Words are written on the side of the field so that other players do not repeat them. The game ends when all the cells are filled with letters or none of the players can think of a new word. After that, the number of points is calculated. The winner is the one who has the most of them.
10. Dots and squares
A game for two players. You will need a sheet of paper, preferably in a cage, and a couple of pens of different colors.
On a sheet of paper, a playing field is drawn in size from 3 * 3 squares, and more (up to 9 * 9), depending on the level of the players.
The essence of the game: The players take turns drawing one-square-long lines, trying to create 1-by-1 squares inside the field. If your line has become the final one in the square, put your sign in it and get the right to an additional move. The moves continue until you place a line that does not complete any square. The game ends when the entire field is full. After that, the number of squares closed by each player is counted and the winner is announced.
For all its simplicity, a game with a twist. Here you can calculate forward moves and try to put your opponent at a disadvantage by forcing him to make an uncomfortable move.
What games have you played? Share with us the “paper” games of your childhood!
DIY twister
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There are many varieties of the Twister game. The usual set of the game includes a canvas with multi-colored circles and a tape measure, which shows which arm and leg to bet on. We will not paint the sheets with you – we will manage with small sacrifices.
How to make a Twister game with your own hands
Manufacturing time 10-15 minutes.
Materials:
A set of multi-colored cardboard (4 colors), white cardboard for a cube, glue, tape, scissors.
Manufacturing method :
- Download and print the cube. Preferably on cardboard. We pass the edge of scissors (along the ruler) along the folds of the cube, fold and glue. You can walk with transparent tape for reliability.
- Cut 12 circles out of cardboard. There are four of each color. You can use a cup or an inverted glass as a template. The circles don’t have to be large.
- That’s all. The game is ready. Now arrange the circles on the floor, you can in a row, you can in any order and have fun.
How to play Twister
Classic rules:
The driver rolls the dice and calls the player what color to put the foot or arm on. Due to the fact that our version of the Twister is simplified, we suggest rearranging the right and left limbs in turn.
Other games:
Who is faster? you need to run the fastest way to the circle of the desired color and stand on it.There are one fewer circles than playing ones.
Grab me! at the command of the judge, you need to get to the circle of the desired color as quickly as possible and raise it above you. Moreover, in this game, the referee not only determines the desired color with the help of the cube, but also thinks out how the players will get to the circle: jump on one leg or jump with a rope, just run or go backwards .