In brief: In pairs, turn around and try not to smile.
Intensity: Low
Introduction: Good facial training before heading for the nearest poker table.
Prop(s): None
How to play:
- An even number of participants is required.
- The participants pair-up and stand back-to-back.
- At their own pre-arranged signal, both participants will jump around and stare into the each other’s face.
- The aim is to keep an absolutely straight face for as long as possible.
- The first one who laughs will have to step out of the game.
- The remaining ’survivors’ will pair up and continue the game.
- The last person left standing will be declared the winner.
Variation(s):
- Those who have dropped out of the game may still play a role by making funny faces behind the one they support, in an attempt to make the opponent laugh.
- Here is a variation I learned from National of National University of Singapore (NUS) Student Facilitators. An ‘it’ is selected among the players. He/She can choose any player and say “I love you. Can you be with me?” The person chosen must say, with a straight face, “I love you too, but I cannot go with you.” If the person being approached laughs or shows a hint of smile, he/she becomes the new ‘it’.