Ninja (playground game)

This article is about the playground game. For other uses, see Ninja (disambiguation).

Ninja is a common game where players try to touch other players arms to take them out of the game, and the winner is the last one with at least one hand still active.

Rules and Gameplay

The rules of ninja are simple, and have only a few pivotal rules for play. In a game of ninja, players will stand in a circle, and place their hands together, the player leading the game saying "Bow to your sensei". There, the countdown begins, and each player must strike a pose. Players take turns attacking their opponents by swiping at their hands and wrists, and must freeze in place once their attack is finished. Defending players may dodge if they think they will be hit, and must also freeze once the attack is finished. If a player is hit, they take their hand out of the game by hiding it behind their back. Once both hands have been removed from play, the player is out, and must step back and allow the game to go on until there is only one player remaining.

Variations

Toe-to-Toe Ninja

Many teenagers play a one-on-one version of ninja, which requires you to stand toe-to-toe. many games are fast moving, and the players' reflexes must be quick.

Circle Ninja

A common variant requires players to move in a clockwise motion rather than any direction they please.

Ultimate Ninja

Teenagers will position themselves in a circle and move in a clockwise motion. This variant however, adds the objective of slapping either the hands or the feet. The players are also able to dodge multiple attacks before their turn. Typically, ultimate ninja has players completing more complex maneuvers such as cartwheels, slide kicks, jump kicks and so on.

Lightning round

A fast moving variation where two players attack each other and try to not stop until one is hit in the hand. The game is over when a player gets hit in the hand, stops the motion, or confuses over his or her turn.