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Three people demonstrating Match & Out gestures

Match & Out

Thrilling, fast-paced elimination game for large groups.

  • Simple set up
  • Sharpens observation skills
  • Game of chance
  • Ideal for large groups
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Invite your group to stand in a circle.
  2. Introduce and practice three different gestures with your group, each involving two fingers being extended and placed:
    – Above one’s eyes (eyebrows)
    – Above one’s mouth / below the nose (moustache)
    – Under one’s chin / on neck (bowtie)
  3. By way of demonstration, initiate a consistent beat by patting your thighs twice, then clapping twice, patting your thighs twice again before (randomly) displaying one of these two-finger gestures.
  4. Practice and repeat this slapping and clapping rhythm with your group for 10-20 seconds featuring the random display of any of the three gestures at the same time.
  5. When ready, announce that you are ‘It’ which means that you will start the rhythm of the beat encouraging everyone to follow with you.
  6. Explain that on each occasion when you display your two-finger gesture, everyone who matches it (with their own two-finger gesture) will be eliminated from the game and be invited to step out of the circle.
  7. As quickly as possible, resume the beat and continue to feature a series of random two-finger gestures eliminating more people with each round.
  8. Challenge each person to stay in the game for as long as possible.
  9. Game continues until everyone is eliminated.
  10. Play several rounds and/or invite a new person to be ‘It.’

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Contributor

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 (1)

  1. Floyd Hinman

    Zoom Alternative: Teach the players the movements and add that there are two positions, 1) standing, and 2) sitting. Have players go to gallery view. Have players identify and keep to themselves (maybe even write down the name of) another player who they want to “match” at the end of a seven minute game. Now, have players choose a player to watch for play. This can be the same player as their “match,” another player, or can change players between rounds. Start play, *pat pat, clap clap, tap tap, ‘Throw’* If the movement you are displaying is the same as the person you were watching you will switch positions (from standing to sitting or sitting to standing) and then be ready to and continue to play the next rounds. At the end of seven minutes worth of rounds, look to the person you were trying to “match.” If your position (standing or sitting) matches that person, you can award yourself five self esteem points. if your position does not match, you can award yourself five self esteem points! way to go!

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