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Drawing Straws: A Simple Choice with a Short Stick

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A random selection method using straws of different lengths, where the shortest straw “wins.”

Description

Drawing straws is a simple and classic way to choose someone from a group in a fair and random manner. It’s often used to settle small disputes, decide who goes first in a game, or assign tasks. The element of chance adds a bit of excitement to the selection process.

Categories

  • Selection Method, Chance Game

How to Play:

  • Number of Players: 2 or More Players
  • What You’ll Need: 
    • Several straws (all approximately the same length to start)
    • Scissors (optional)
  • Gameplay:
    • Prepare the Straws: If you’re feeling sneaky, you can secretly cut one straw slightly shorter to increase your chances of winning. Otherwise, keep all the straws the same length.
    • Gather the Players: Have everyone participating in the decision stand or sit in a circle.
    • Bundle the Straws: Hold all the straws together in a bundle, with the ends hidden in your closed fist or cupped hands.
    • Mix it Up: Briefly shuffle or spread the straws slightly within the bundle to further obscure the lengths.
    • Drawing Time: Instruct everyone to draw a single straw from the bundle without peeking.
    • Reveal and Decide: Everyone holds their drawn straw upright, revealing the lengths. The player with the shortest straw is the one who is “out” or chosen, depending on the situation.

Winning Criteria

The player who draws the shortest straw is the one who is chosen.

Estimated Playtime

Very Short – Takes less than a minute.

Make it Your Own:

  • Themed Straws: If you’re feeling creative, use straws in different colors or with fun designs to match the occasion.
  • Multiple Draws: For a larger group or more complex decision, you can have players draw multiple straws and eliminate those who draw the shortest ones until you have your chosen number.
  • Alternatives to Straws: If you don’t have straws handy, you can use other small sticks, blades of grass, or even folded pieces of paper of similar size.
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Ready to Draw Straws?

Drawing straws is a quick and easy way to make a random selection. It’s a timeless method that can be used in various situations, adding a touch of chance and keeping things fair. So next time you need to choose someone for a task or settle a disagreement, grab some straws and give it a try!

Tags

Random Selection, Simple Game, Decision-Making Tool

Similar Games:

  • Exquisite Corpse: Another collaborative storytelling game where players write or draw a story in parts, keeping the previous contributions hidden.
  • Rory’s Story Cubes: A storytelling game using dice with story prompts to inspire players to create narratives.
  • Story Chain Apps: There are several mobile apps that allow players to collaboratively build stories sentence by sentence.
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