Objective
The aim of the game Plumpsack is to avoid being caught when the "Plumpsack" is placed behind a sitting player and at the same time to catch other players by surprise.
Game Components
- No additional equipment required
- A small bag, cloth, or similar item to be used as the "Plumpsack"
Setup
- Players sit in a circle on the floor or chairs.
- One player is chosen to start as the "runner" and receives the Plumpsack.
Gameplay
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The runner walks around the outside of the circle and chants or sings a rhyme: "Don’t look around; the Plumpsack’s going around. Whoever turns or laughs will get their back full."
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As the runner circles the group, they secretly place the Plumpsack behind one of the players.
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The player, behind whom the Plumpsack has been placed, must notice it as quickly as possible.
- Player Reaction: If the player notices the Plumpsack, they stand up and try to catch the runner before the runner reaches the now available spot.
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Runner Reaction: The runner tries to reach the vacant spot and sit down before getting caught.
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Outcome of the Chase:
- Runner Gets Caught: The runner must go to the center of the circle or change roles with the player who caught them.
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Runner Takes the Spot: The player, behind whom the Plumpsack was placed and failed to catch the runner, becomes the new runner.
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If a player fails to notice the Plumpsack before the runner completes the circle, the runner can either drop it behind the same player again or choose another.
- In such a case, the missing player receives a penalty, like having to go to the center of the circle.
Special Strategies and Tips
- The runner should be stealthy and silent in placing the Plumpsack unnoticed.
- It may be helpful to slow down or make louder steps at various points to confuse the players.
Ending the Game
The game usually ends after a set time or after each player has had a turn as a runner. Winners are often not crowned, as the focus tends to be on fun.
Plumpsack is an easy-to-learn, dynamic, and fun game that is particularly suitable for children, but can also be enjoyable for adults.
