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Rock, Paper, Scissors: Five Lives

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Two people playing Rock-Paper-Scissors Five Lives

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Five Lives

Fun variation of classic partner elimination game.

  • Very playful & fun
  • Healthy competition
  • Elimination game
  • Partner activity
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Form into pairs.
  2. Clearly establish a standard ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ protocol for everyone to follow.
  3. By demonstration, explain that with each and every round played, the winner advances up one level, and the loser goes down one level.
  4. Everyone starts by standing on their two feet, facing their partner.
  5. After the first round, the ‘loser’ will play their next round kneeling on one knee.
  6. With each successive loss, the next three lower-levels of play are:
    – Kneel on both knees;
    – Sit on bottom; and
    – Lie on back.
  7. Ordinarily, individuals move up and down the levels (up when they win, down when they lose) several times during the contest.
  8. When an individual loses a round from the position of lying on their back, they are eliminated from the game.
  9. Play several rounds and/or swap partners.

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Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (2)

  1. smallishbear

    Practical Leadership Tips
    “Remind your group that with every round played, the winner goes up a level, and the loser goes down a level. It’s not a simple matter of only having five lives (despite the name of the game.)”

    For our Youth Group I call this game Scissors, Paper, Rock: Five Levels (rather than Five Lives) to avoid that confusion.

    🙂

    Reply
    • Mark Collard

      Fair enough too, Sara. You make a good point, it’s just that this is what I’ve always known this game to be called. Thanks for helping others here 🙂

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