Technology

How to Play Jenga – Tips and Tricks to Win Quickly

What is Jenga? This game has gained a lot of popularity among people. When playing Jenga, players need to have calculation and great dexterity. So what are the rules, gameplay, and tips? Let's explore them through the following article at FPT Shop.

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21 February, 2024

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What is the game Jenga? This is a game that requires players to be skillful and careful. With just a set of playing tools, you can play Jenga in different ways. The following article from FPT Shop will show you how to play the game and basic tips for playing the Jenga game.

Jenga and the origin of the game

The game Jenga is known as Jenga – a word based on a verb in Swahili meaning “to build”. The game became popular worldwide in the 1980s when Hasbro began marketing and distributing it.

Jenga is similar to building a tower using wooden blocks stacked together in layers, with the blocks stacked vertically and horizontally. Each player takes turns removing blocks from any level of the tower and placing it on top to create a higher tower. If you or any player causes the tower to collapse, they lose the game. That’s why this game requires a lot of skill, dexterity, and the mental strength of the players.

The game set includes wooden blocks that usually come in sets of 48 blocks with common versions as follows:

Jenga number edition: The blocks will be numbered at the end of each block.
Jenga color edition: The blocks will be painted in different colors.
Jenga Uno edition: The blocks will be painted and played according to the rules of Uno.
Jenga Love edition: The blocks comes with attached requirements.

Rules of the Jenga number edition

Odd and even removal

In this Jenga variation, players must roll a dice before removing a block. If a player rolls an odd number, they must remove a block with an odd number. Conversely, if a player rolls an even number, they must remove a block with an even number. This is the simplest and most popular way to play Jenga. The number of players for this variation is usually from 2 to 4 players.

Tiered removal

In this Jenga variation, which block to remove is determined by rolling a dice. However, the blocks are divided into two different zones

If the dice roll is 1 to 3, you must remove blocks from the upper zone numbered 1 to 27.
If the dice roll is 4 to 6, you must remove blocks from the lower zone numbered 27 to 54.

This variation is more difficult and increases the risk of the tower collapsing as you are no longer allowed to choose which blocks to remove. Your choices are limited. That’s why this tiered removal variation is less popular among players.

Score-based removal

In this Jenga variation, the blocks to be removed are determined by the number rolled on the dice.

1 point: Remove blocks numbered 1 to 10
2 points: Remove blocks numbered 11 to 20
3 points: Remove blocks numbered 21 to 30
4 points: Remove blocks numbered 31 to 40
5 points: Remove blocks numbered 41 to 50
6 points: Remove blocks numbered 51 to 60

Rules of the Jenga Uno edition

Playing Jenga Uno, also known as Uno Stacko, adds more fun when you combine it with the rules of Uno. Instead of simply removing blocks, in this variation, you have to follow the commands on the blocks just like in a game of Uno. The basic gameplay is still removing a block from the tower and placing it on top. However, the difference compared to regular Jenga is that you can’t just remove any block. Each block has a symbol, number, or color that corresponds to the Uno cards. You can only remove a block with the same color or number as the previous player’s block, or a Wild block.

Example: If the previous player removed a red block with the number 3, then the next player must remove a block with the number 3 or any red block.

Special blocks in Jenga Uno:

Wild block – purple: You can choose a color for the next player to remove.
Draw Two block: The next player is forced to draw two blocks.
Skip block: Skips the turn of the next player.
Reserve block: Reverses the order of play.

Rules of the Love edition

In this Jenga variation, each block has its own requirement. Players take turns removing blocks they prefer and then carry out the requirement specified on the block.

Rules of the color edition

Similar to other variations, in this color edition, each block is painted with a different color. Players take turns rolling a color dice and must remove a block with the corresponding color. Then they stack it on top. If someone makes the tower collapse, they lose the game.

Tips for playing Jenga

It’s important to remove the blocks skillfully and not let the tower lean or become imbalanced at any point. Besides, you need to count the number of blocks to balance the tower and decide which block to remove quickly and skillfully. This will help the tower regain balance quickly and avoid collapsing.

Conclusion

The above article from FPT Shop has provided you with a clear understanding of how to play Jenga. You can try other Jenga variations to experience the fun of the game.

Frequently asked questions

The goal of Jenga is to remove blocks from a tower and place them on the top without causing the tower to collapse. Players take turns removing one block at a time from any level of the tower except the one below the incomplete top level. The game ends when the tower falls.

Here are some strategies to win at Jenga:
– Start by removing blocks from the middle levels of the tower as they provide more stability.
– Try to remove blocks that are surrounded by other blocks on at least three sides as they are easier to take out without disturbing the tower’s balance.
– Pay attention to your opponent’s moves and plan your moves accordingly.
– Be gentle and careful when removing blocks, and always place them on the top level with precision.
– Try to create a ‘void’ or empty space in the tower by removing blocks from the same level consecutively. This will make the tower unstable and more likely to collapse when your opponent takes their turn.

For more advanced players, here are some additional strategies:
– Create a ‘cantilever’ by removing blocks in a way that extends the tower’s structure on one side, making it difficult for your opponent to remove blocks from that level.
– Take advantage of ‘key blocks’, which are blocks that provide significant support to the tower. Removing these blocks can quickly destabilize the tower, but be careful as it can also backfire if not executed properly.
– Learn to ‘read’ the tower and anticipate which blocks are safe to remove and which ones are crucial for maintaining stability.