As we grow up, we tend to forget about our cultural traditions, including beneficial and fun folk games. Now is the perfect time to reconnect with these traditions at home and bring joy and laughter to your family. Let’s take a look at 7 engaging and fascinating folk games!
1 Stick and Ball
Stick and Ball
Stick and Ball is a game deeply rooted in the childhood of generations of Vietnamese. All you need are 2 to 5 people, 10 sticks, and 1 ball to play this game. The first player holds the ball in their right hand, tosses it into the air, and picks up the scattered sticks one by one.
Repeat this process until the ball falls to the ground, and then it’s the next player’s turn. The game is not only fun but also challenging, as there are 10 rounds, and the number of turns can pass by very quickly if you’re not careful.
2 Chi Chi Chành Chành
Chi Chi Chành Chành
This game is easy to play and brings laughter to the whole family. One person stands in front, palms facing out, while the others place their index fingers on the palm. The person with the outstretched hand recites a nursery rhyme at varying speeds:
“Chi chi chành chành.
Cái đanh thổi lửa
Con ngựa chết chương
Ba vương ngũ đế
Chấp chế đi tìm
Ù à ù ập”
At the word “ập,” the person with the outstretched hand quickly closes their hand, trying to catch the fingers of the others. Whoever gets caught must switch places with the person in front and recite the rhyme while the others play. The game is not only fun but also creates excitement and intrigue for the players. All you need are 3 or more people to play Chi Chi Chành Chành.
3 Om Quan
Om Quan
When it comes to folk games, Om Quan is a must-mention. This game is loved by people of all ages. It requires a large number of players and a spacious area to play. You can buy an Om Quan set from supermarkets or toy stores instead of drawing the board on the ground or pavement. The set includes a rectangle divided into two halves, each with 5 rectangular boxes and two semicircular boxes at the ends, representing the “Quan” (official) spaces.
Playing Om Quan
Each side has 5 rectangular boxes, and each box contains 5 small stones (or any small objects). The semicircular boxes at the ends also have one stone each, representing the “Quan” (official).
Each side has 5 rectangular boxes
Divide into two teams of 5 or more players each. The winning team goes first, choosing one box (except the “Quan” box) and picking up the stones inside. The players then take turns scattering the stones into the boxes until the last stone is placed next to an empty box.
The player then captures the stones in the adjacent box. If the last stone is scattered into a box next to the “Quan” box, the turn ends, and it’s the other team’s turn. The team with the most stones at the end wins.
4 Rock, Paper, Scissors
Rock, Paper, Scissors
This game doesn’t require a large number of players (a minimum of 2 players) and is fast-paced, easy to play, and fun. Players chant “Rock, Paper, Scissors, shoot!” and simultaneously form one of three hand shapes: a fist for rock, two fingers extended for scissors, or all five fingers extended for paper.
The game is determined by the rule of rock crushes scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. The player who loses the most rounds will receive a penalty decided by the winner.
5 Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek
If you have a spacious house, Hide and Seek is a must-play game during the Tet holiday. It not only promotes physical activity but also sharpens players’ agility and sensitivity. One person closes their eyes and counts to 100 while the others hide.
The seeker then tries to find the hiders. The game ends when all hiders are found or when the seeker fails to find everyone within the time limit. The more players, the more exciting and challenging the game becomes!
6 Blind Man’s Bluff
Blind Man’s Bluff
Blind Man’s Bluff is a lively and engaging game where one person plays the “blind” master, covering their eyes. The other players join hands and walk around the master, creating noise to confuse them.
If the master catches all the players, they win. If they are unable to catch everyone within the time limit, the players win. This game enhances sensitivity, judgment, and concentration. To make it more exciting, consider adding more “blind” masters or players.
7 Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe
All you need is a piece of paper or a notebook to play this strategic and fun game. Two players choose a symbol, either X or O, and take turns marking the chosen symbol in the squares, trying to get three in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The limitation of this game is that it only accommodates a small number of players.
These are 7 engaging folk games that can be played at home during the Tet holiday, bringing relaxation and joy to you and your loved ones.
