No.291
El Panuelo: Race for the Handkerchief
Japanese name: パニュエロ（ハンカチ争奪）
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Diagram key
- A
- Team A’s line
- B
- Team B’s line
- C
- Facilitator with the handkerchief
Materials
- 1 soft handkerchief
- Markers for the two team lines and centre line
- Paper to record scores
How to play
- Form two equal teams at equal distances from the centre. Give each player a number, using the same set of numbers on both teams. The facilitator lightly holds the handkerchief at the centre.
- Call one number. Only those two players approach the centre. Neither may cross the centre line while the facilitator is still holding the handkerchief.
- When one player takes it, they return towards their team’s line. The opponent chases and may gently tag their shoulder or back. Do not grab clothing or the handkerchief.
- In this version, returning without being tagged scores one point; a tag scores one point for the opponent. If both take hold at once, stop, let go without pulling and replay.
- Both return to their teams and replace the handkerchief at the centre. Call each number twice, then compare total points. For another game, change the facilitator and number assignments.
Ways to adapt
Younger primary: walk and take the cloth from a cone. Preschool: carry it one at a time with a caregiver. Use points and rotation instead of elimination.