Perfect for killing time! A roundup of games for three people to enjoy
What kinds of games can you play when there are three people—like a close-knit trio, three siblings, or a family of three? Some games are easier with an even number, but once it’s an odd number, certain games get harder to play, right? In this article, we’ll introduce games you can play with your body or hands that work for three people.
We’ve gathered games you can use in various situations: to get some exercise, to burn off extra energy, or to kill time when you have a free moment.
Spend a fun time moving your body and hands together with your children or friends!
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Brain training: fun, mentally challenging games (1–10)
Upside-Down Word Quiz
It’s a game where the host presents words that have been reversed, and players quickly answer what the original words were.
Since the reversed words are given only by sound, it tests your ability to visualize them as text in your head before thinking.
Simple words can sometimes be answered by intuition alone, so shorter ones are recommended for checking the rules.
To make it a more advanced game, you might gradually move on to longer words or even full sentences.
Past and present, East and West
The “Kokon Tozai” game, also known as the “Yamanote Line Game.” Simply put, it’s a game where everyone claps along and answers in rhythm to a given topic.
For example, if the topic is “Kokon Tozai: prefectures!” you take turns naming Japanese prefectures.
If you say a prefecture that doesn’t exist, repeat one that’s already been said, or fail to keep up with the rhythm, you’re out.
31 game
If you want a game three people can enjoy, the “31 Game” is a great pick! The rules are simple: players take turns saying numbers from 1 to 3, and the person who says 31 loses.
It’s a good brain workout, and best of all, you can play it anywhere.
No equipment needed, so you can start right away.
With two players the outcome tends to be more predictable, but with three it’s harder to read, so it’s sure to get exciting! It’s an easy, quick game that makes spare moments fun.
Magical Banana
If you’re looking for a way to kill time but don’t want the hassle of preparing tools or downloading apps, word games are a great choice.
For example, “Magical Banana” can be played using only words, and the rules are simple so you can start right away.
The rule is to connect words by association, like “Say banana, and you think fruit,” “Say fruit, and you think apple,” and so on.
It’s perfect for a quick break.
Colorful Ninja
Color-Ninja, a rhythm-based brain-training game where you answer to the beat, is a surefire idea for lively fun with three players.
To the rhythm, if the prompt is something like “yellow foods,” you say an answer that fits both the color and the category, such as “banana.” If you’re late or your color doesn’t match your word, you’re out.
This game tests quick verbal reflexes and color-based association, and with three people you can fairly split roles into prompter, responder, and judge.
Once you get the hang of it, expand the categories—“blue clothing,” “red animals,” “white home appliances,” and so on—to raise the difficulty.
It’s a laugh-filled, brain-and-mouth-in-overdrive rhythm workout that’s sure to get everyone buzzing.
Beef Tongue Game
The rules are simple, but the more you play, the harder the “Gyutan Game” gets.
The rules are easy: follow the rhythm “Gyu, tan, gyu, tan, gyu, tan, tan,” and say “gyu” when it’s “gyu,” and clap your hands while saying “tan” when it’s “tan.” However, after “gyu” has appeared three times, the number of consecutive “tan” increases by one each turn.
That’s the tricky part.
You’ll start thinking, “How many times did we say it just now?” “Is this where we add another tan?” “Which one am I supposed to say in the first place?” and it all gets tangled up.
If you say the wrong number or hesitate, you’re out!
No-Katakana Game
This game forbids the use of any words written in katakana, which are now everywhere in Japanese daily life.
Any katakana words that slip out naturally in conversation must be replaced with Japanese equivalents.
And anyone who blurts one out by mistake will face a penalty game.
It’s most fun to play in everyday situations, but it also works remotely or with three or more people, and the penalties add to the excitement—making it a very lively game.
Judges, be sure to listen carefully so nothing slips past you!
