No.216
Bamboo-Strip Toss: Match the Sides
Japanese name: 竹がえしの表裏そろえ
Materials
- Several smooth bamboo strips with rounded edges, about 20 cm long
How to play
- An adult checks edges and surfaces. Start with two or three strips together in one hand, facing a clear direction away from others.
- With the palm upward, toss the strips just a few centimeters. Turn the hand and catch them on its back. Never toss up to eye level.
- Choose which side—front or back—you will keep facing upward. Tilt the hand slightly to drop only the strips facing the other way.
- Once the remaining strips all face the same way, toss them slightly and catch on the palm. Count the retained strips to finish the attempt.
- A miss still counts as an attempt. Change players after three attempts each. Add just one strip once successful. Count all strips together when packing away.
Ways to adapt
Younger primary school children: balance one strip. Older primary school children: use 3–5 strips.