← All Games
In this — at times slightly macabre — warm-up game, players stand in a circle with one person in the middle. The player in the middle walks up to any other player in the circle and points at them. While pointing, they call out a specific term. The player who is pointed at, together with the players to their left and right, must form the figure associated with that term as quickly as possible. If any of the three involved is too slow or strikes the wrong pose, that person goes to the middle of the circle.
To judge timeliness, the player in the middle can also count. For example: "Washing machine 1 2 3 4 5". The player and their two neighbours have until "5" is called to form the figure.
This game also goes by the name Toaster-Mixer or Puking Kangaroo.
Start with just a few figures so they can be memorised, then gradually increase the number.
The following figures are possible (and expandable):
M = Middle player
N = Neighbours, i.e. the two players to the left and right
Kennedy M: Bent forward, looking at the ground; N: Extended arm with fist, only the index finger stretched out (= gun) aimed at M's head, the other hand grips the wrist of the extended hand.
Jesus M: Stands crucified, i.e. with arms stretched out to the sides, one leg crossed over the other, head hanging tilted forward; N: Kneel praying before M.
James Bond M: Stands casually on one foot, the other leg slightly bent resting on tiptoe. Holds the extended index finger (= gun) under the mouth and blows into it, i.e. into the "muzzle" of the gun, the rest of the hand clenched into a fist. N: Lean with both hands on M's shoulder and say dreamily: "Oh James!"
Exhibitionist M: Opens their imaginary coat wide. N: Look at them and shriek.
Elephant M: Grabs their nose with one hand, the other — extended — arm goes over the crook of the arm diagonally down/forward (trunk). N: Form the ears with both arms, each making a half-circle open towards M.
Rhino M: Puts a hand with an extended index finger on the nose (horn). N: Form the ears with the index finger and thumb of the left or right hand respectively, making a half-circle open towards M (smaller ears than the elephant).
Kangaroo M: Stretches clasped hands far out (pouch). N: Stick their heads up through the arms from below, as if peeking out of the pouch.
Puking Kangaroo M: Stretches clasped hands far out (pouch). N: Lean over the pouch and vomit into it.
Kamikaze M: The tips of the index fingers and thumbs of both hands touch each other, forming a horizontal figure eight held in front of the eyes (goggles) — even better: the goggles are placed with the palms against the cheeks so they form the straps of an old aviator cap, and the (inevitably) extended elbows of M form the wings of the aeroplane. N: Extend their arms straight outward on the side away from M (wings).
Aeroplane M: Holds the steering wheel and makes clear engine noises like "brrrrrr" etc. N: Form the wings (cf. Kamikaze).
McDonald's M: Bends forward and vomits. N: Pat M on the back.
Rotisserie chicken M: Spins around repeatedly with arms held straight at their sides. N: Hold each other's hands, so M spins inside their arms.
Döner kebab M: Like Rotisserie chicken.
Toaster M: Jumps up repeatedly with arms held straight at their sides. N: Hold each other's hands, so M jumps inside their arms.
Broken Toaster Like Toaster, but here the N jump and M stands still.
Mixer 1 M: Stretches arms straight up. N: Spin in circles.
Mixer 2 M: Stretches arms diagonally up to the sides, high enough that N fit under M's downward-facing hands. N: Spin on their axis under the respective hand.
Washing machine: M: Bends forward and rotates arms in front of the body. N: Do the same, but turned towards the middle player.
Nuclear power plant: M: Stretches arms with fists into the air and shouts "Boom!". N: With their backs to M. Say: "Glow, glow, glow" and indicate the escaping radiation of the plant with their hands.
Lamppost M: Stands straight and stretches arms upward. N: Each lifts a leg towards the "lamppost" and pretends to pee on it.
Palm tree M: Forms the palm fronds with outstretched arms. N: Sway their hips and say: "Hula hula"
Locomotive M: Stretches arms out and opens and closes hands like flashing lights. N: Make circular movements with their arms like wheels.
The three Mexicans: All three players huddle together and pretend to play air guitar on small guitars while singing "Lalalala".
Mummy (Mum): M: Stretches hands downward as if holding and rocking a pram. N: Tug at M's trouser leg or arm and scream like babies.
Asynchronous figures: (Each player must choose a role and the three players must quickly and discreetly agree.)
The Three Monkeys One player covers their mouth, one their ears and the third their eyes.
Fire brigade One player pumps water, one holds the hose and the third spins a hand above their head and imitates the sound of a fire engine siren.
Band One player sings "La-la-la", one plays guitar and the third plays drums.
