How to Play Hot Potato
An exciting game of avoidance, Hot Potato can be played indoors and outdoors. Even with as few as three players, children can have tons of fun trying to keep their hands off the "hot potato."
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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Play Hot Potato
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1
Gather the players in a circle, either seated or standing up. The seated version is preferable for play indoors while more boisterous play can be encouraged by standing when playing outdoors.
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2
Select one player or parent as the caller. They will control when the hot potato is in play and when it must be held.
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3
Begin play by giving the hot potato to someone in the circle. This person must then pass of the hot potato (bean bag or ball) as quickly as possible either in a orderly manner around the circle or by throwing it across the circle to another player.
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4
Avoid conflict by having the caller keep her eyes shut. When she calls out "Stop!" whoever is left with the hot potato is eliminated and must leave the circle. If she has her eyes shut or has her back to the circle, she will not be tempted to pick any specific person to be stuck with the ball or bean bag.
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5
Continue to play and eliminate players until only one is left. The last player in the circle is the winner and may move on to become the caller in the next round of the game.
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6
Play Cold Potato, a variation of Hot Potato on warm summer days. Instead of a ball or bean bag, use a balloon filled with ice cubes and water. Make a small hole in the balloon with a pin to create a slow leak. The object of the game is to not be the last person holding the cold potato or balloon when the water runs out.
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7
Make up a themed variation of Hot Potato for a children's theme party. If the theme is fairytales, make the ball or bean bag the red apple from Snow White. If you are planning a Christmas party, make the ball or bean bag a lump of coal.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are playing indoors, be sure to remove any breakable objects from the play area. Though play tends to be fairly controlled, there may still be the possibility of the ball or bean bag being thrown outside the circle of players and hitting a glass or other fragile object.
