Twister (Refresh)

The only game where losing and falling over are the same event.

A vinyl mat, twenty-four coloured spots, and a spinner that has no interest in whether you can reach. Twister has been on the floor at parties since 1966 and the design has never needed changing, because the whole thing runs on the gap between what your brain agrees to and what your hamstrings will permit. This refreshed edition adds two extra moves to the spinner: air and spinner's choice.

Mechanically it is barely a game. Someone spins, calls a colour and a limb, and everyone puts that limb there. You are out when any part of you that is not a hand or foot touches the mat. What makes it work is that the difficulty is entirely social — the mat gets crowded, people end up underneath each other, and the person who takes it seriously always goes down first. Five minutes to teach a room full of children, and no reading required.

Perfect for: The end of a birthday party, when the cake has landed and everyone needs to be tired out before going home.

2 or more players | 15 minutes | Age 6+