Simple mini-games that liven up a party
Are you looking for mini-games you can enjoy at a party without any special preparation? In this article, we’ll introduce simple mini-games that everyone can enjoy and that are easy to fit into your schedule.
No elaborate setup or complicated explanations needed! We’ll focus on games that both drinkers and non-drinkers can enjoy together.
We’ve gathered a variety of games, including ones that work with both small and large groups, and ones you can play in teams.
Try customizing them to match the number of participants and have fun!
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Simple mini-games that liven up a party (11–20)
The Perfect Match Game
A perfectly-on-target game where you communicate while aiming for a set number.
This game is played by splitting into teams.
For example, let’s say the target number is set to 100.
Aiming for that 100, the teams take turns asking each other questions.
The questions should have numerical answers, such as “How old are you?” or “How many times have you been confessed to?” You add up the numbers you receive from the answers, and the team that hits the target of 100 exactly, or comes closest, wins.
Depending on how large the target value is, the range of possible questions expands and the difficulty increases.
It’s also a great way to get to know the person you’re asking, so give it a try when you want to deepen your connection!
Perfect Coke-Only Game
The “Cut the meat to exactly 300g” challenge segment on the midday variety show Pokapoka is so simple, yet it always gets everyone excited.
Maybe that active participation mindset boosts the fun even more.
So how about a game where you drink a beverage to exactly the designated line? Since some people aren’t fond of carbonated drinks, everyone can prepare their favorite juice and give it a try.
If it’s a drink in a clear bottle, you could even draw the line directly on the bottle!
Gesture Game
A gesture game where you guess what someone is doing using only movement, without words.
Given a prompt, one person performs actions related to it, and the others—who don’t know the answer—guess what the prompt is.
For example, if the prompt is “rabbit,” you might make ears with your hands or hop to convey what you are.
Splitting into teams and competing to see which team gets more correct answers is also recommended! It’s even more fun if you mix in some trickier prompts along with easy ones that are simple to guess.
Finger Smash
Finger Suma is a game where you raise your thumbs and shout something like “Ready, set, go!” The name varies by region, but many people probably played it as kids.
You don’t need any equipment and can start right away, so it’s great for filling a small gap of time.
After saying “Ready, set, go,” someone calls out a number between 0 and twice the number of players.
If the called number matches the number of thumbs that are raised, the caller can lower one hand.
The same flow repeats, and the first person to lower both hands wins.
Any number of people can play, but it’s best with up to about five.
Bring back some nostalgia and have fun!
Earphone Loud Telephone Game
You often see this game on variety shows too, right? I think the classic “telephone game” format is fun for all ages.
Preparing the music device is easy nowadays since we have smartphones.
If you don’t have headphones, earphones will do just fine.
For older participants, pick prompts about trends among young people; for younger participants, choose prompts with a Showa-retro vibe—add a little twist in how you select the topics.
The limit might be around 20 characters that people can memorize at once.
Getting some bitter tea ready as a penalty could make it even more exciting!
Finger Suma: Fun Anywhere
Finger Suma, a game that tests your split-second judgment and reflexes, can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages—from elementary school children to seniors.
First, use rock-paper-scissors to decide who will call the number.
The caller predicts how many thumbs will be raised and says, “Issē no [number]!” At the moment of the call, participants decide whether to raise their thumb or not and act accordingly.
If the called number matches the actual total number of raised thumbs, the caller succeeds and may pull back one of their hands.
If it doesn’t match, the turn passes to the next person in order.
The person who remains to the end loses.
Keeping a straight face throughout the game is also a key point.
Simple mini-games that liven up a party (21–30)
Pin Pon Pan Game
The “Ping-Pong-Pan Game” is simple but surprisingly confusing.
Participants form a circle facing inward and decide who goes first.
Once everyone says the starting chant together, the game begins.
Starting from the first person and going clockwise, each person says “Pin,” “Pon,” “Pan” in order.
The person who says “Pan” points to nominate the next person.
The nominated person then continues from there, again going clockwise with “Pin,” “Pon,” “Pan.” Even though the rules are simple, people often end up pointing on something other than “Pan”…!
