No.196
Menko: Flip the Card
Japanese name: めんこ
You can scroll an enlarged diagram from side to side. Press again to return to its original size.
Diagram key
- A
- Aim at the floor immediately beside you.
- B
- Flip the playing cards.
Materials
- Several cardboard menko cards per person
- A marker for the waiting line
How to play
- Prepare thick-paper menko cards with your own drawings. Place one target card face up on the floor. Everyone except the current thrower waits beyond arm's reach.
- Take turns striking your own card onto the floor very near the target card. Do not throw toward people.
- Score one point if the target flips. Retrieve the thrown card whether or not successful, and return the target to its original place and face-up orientation.
- Take one attempt each for three circuits so everyone gets equal turns. Experiment with card thickness or where you strike the floor.
- Count the three-circuit total, share useful discoveries, and finish. For another game, exchange equipment one person at a time and try different cards.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: thin targets at close range. Younger primary school children: three attempts. Older primary school children: compare card thicknesses.