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Object of the Game: To stump "it" and keep from becoming "it".
Items Needed: A softly rolled newspaper or magazine. Optional: A timer.
Preparation: None

Directions: First set a time limit, perhaps 15 minutes to start. Have everyone sit in a circle. Each person chooses the name of a state. One of these states is chosen to be "it." "It" sits or stands in the middle. "It" is the person who holds the rolled newspaper. One person from the circle is chosen to go first and calls out the name of any state from the circle. "It" must try to remember who holds that name and gently whack him/her with the newspaper. However, if the state called can call out a different state before getting "whacked" then "it" must now find the new state. When "it" finally "whacks" someone in time (before that person can call out another state), the two players exchange places. "It" is now seated with the others of the circle and the state "whacked" becomes the new "it" in the center with the newspaper. The person formerly in the center and now in the circle begins the next round by calling out a state. (If one of the states accidentally calls out the state name of "it," or his/her own state name, that just gives "it" more time.)

Example: Everyone has chosen the name of a state, and "it" is ready to begin. The state New York is called and "it" tries to find and whack New York. But before New York can be found, New York calls out Alabama and "it" must now try to whack Alabama. But Alabama calls out Wyoming. This time "it" is able to find and whack Wyoming. Wyoming exchanges places with "it." "It," who is now seated in the circle, calls out the name of a state (let's say Maryland) and Wyoming (the new "it) must try to find Maryland.

Note: This game can be played with any category such as cities of the U.S., cities or countries of the world, vegetables, ice cream flavors, etc. I first learned this game at a Young Single Adult FHE.

Submitted by: Nan