Chair

A thrilling icebreaker where every round leaves one player standing, searching for a seat in the fast-paced game of musical chairs with a twist!

• Takes 15 minutes
• Easy difficulty
• 6-12 participants
• In-person

What is Chair?

The Chair Game is a fun and engaging icebreaker activity that I like to play in groups of friends. The purpose of this game is to encourage interaction and help players learn more about each other through the use of generic statements. In the Chair Game, the goal is to find a seat for yourself as chairs are removed with each round. This game is best suited for small to medium-sized groups of 6-12 people and can be played by anyone over the age of 8. The only preparation required is to have enough chairs for the group, with one less chair than the number of players. To play, participants sit in a circle of chairs and take turns making general statements. Those who relate to the statement must stand up and find a new seat, creating a fun dynamic as players scramble to sit down before the seats run out. Overall, the Chair Game is an excellent way to promote socializing and build connections among group members.

Rules for Chair

1. Arrange chairs in a circle.
2. One volunteer makes a general statement.
3. Players who relate to the statement must stand and find a new seat.
4. The volunteer of the round will be the one left standing or unable to find a new seat.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 until a time limit is reached.
6. Optionally, add a punishment mechanic for the volunteer standing up.
7. Alternative rules include:
   • Having a theme for all statements
   • Reducing the number of chairs after each round to increase difficulty and encourage competition.

Materials needed for Chair

• Chairs: For this icebreaker game, you will need chairs equal to the number of players minus one. The chairs should be arranged in a circle for easy movement during the game.

Setting up for Chair

To set up for the Chair icebreaker activity, you will need to gather a group of 6 to 12 people and arrange chairs in a circle. It is important to ensure that there is always one less chair than the number of players in every round. Before beginning the game, have everyone find a seat, then select a volunteer to make a general statement. After the statement has been made, any players who relate to the statement must stand up and find a different seat, excluding the seat next to them. If there are no remaining seats for that player, they will become the volunteer for the next round. Repeat these steps until a certain time limit is reached. You may also consider adding a punishment mechanic for the volunteer standing up to increase excitement. Remember, the goal of the game is to find a seat after every round.

How to play Chair

1. Set up the chairs: I set up the chairs in a circle, making sure there is one less chair than the number of players.
2. Choose a volunteer: I pick one person to start as the volunteer. Everyone else finds a seat.
3. Make a statement: The volunteer makes a general statement about themselves, such as “I had cereal for breakfast.”
4. Stand up if it applies: Anyone to whom the statement applies must stand up and find a new seat, avoiding the seat next to them.
5. Repeat with a new volunteer: If no one stands up, the current volunteer remains for the next round. If someone does stand up, they become the new volunteer in the next round. I repeat steps 3-5 until a time limit is reached or a desired level of excitement is achieved.

Incorporating themes and reducing chairs are optional ways to add variety and challenge to The Chair Game:

• Include a theme: For themed parties, I encourage using statements related to the theme, such as “I’m wearing red today” at a Christmas party.
• Reduce the chairs: To make The Chair Game more competitive and challenging, I remove one chair after each round, increasing the difficulty of finding an available seat and potentially resulting in a winner by the end of the game.

Benefits of Chair

• Encourages Movement and Physical Activity: The Chair Game is a stationary game that still requires players to move around and be active as they find new seats after each statement. This can help increase blood flow and energy levels, making it a fun way to stay active during social gatherings.
• Helps Build Memory Skills: In order to find a new seat, players must remember who made the most recent statement and if it applies to them. This memory challenge helps keep players engaged and sharpens recall abilities.
• Fosters Social Interaction: The Chair Game encourages group interaction by having participants share personal experiences through their statements. As players listen and respond to each other, they can strengthen existing relationships and form new connections.
• Adaptable for Various Settings and Ages: With minimal preparation and materials required, this game is easy to set up and suitable for groups of different sizes and ages. Its simple rules make it accessible to young children while still engaging adults.
• Promotes Laughter and Enjoyment: The unexpected nature of the statements and the resulting scramble for seats guarantees plenty of laughter and excitement. This lighthearted atmosphere can help create memorable moments during social events.

Skills built with Chair

• Memory: The Chair Game requires players to remember who said what statement in order to determine if they need to stand up and find a new seat. This helps build memory skills as players must constantly pay attention to the statements being made and connect them with their peers.
• Observation: In addition to memory, The Chair Game also builds observation skills as players must quickly identify if any of the chairs are currently unoccupied or if someone is sitting in a chair next to them. This helps improve overall awareness and reaction time.
• Socialization: As an icebreaker game, The Chair Game encourages players to interact with each other and share personal information through their statements. This fosters socialization skills as players learn more about each other and build connections.
• Critical Thinking: Players must think critically about the consequences of standing up or staying seated after a statement is made, taking into account factors such as time limits and available seats. This helps improve problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

Why I like Chair

I enjoy playing the Chair icebreaker game for several reasons. First, it is a simple and easy-to-play game that requires no advance preparation or materials other than chairs. This makes it a convenient and flexible group activity that can be organized spontaneously in any setting, indoors or outdoors.

Another reason I like the Chair icebreaker is that it promotes social interaction and helps people get to know each other better through the use of personal statements. By requiring players to stand up and move to a different seat after hearing a statement that applies to them, the game creates opportunities for individuals to mix and mingle with others in the group and build connections.

I also appreciate that the Chair game is adaptable and can be customized to suit different groups and situations. For example, players can introduce themes or variations to make the game more challenging or exciting, such as reducing the number of chairs after each round or adding a punishment mechanic for the volunteer who stands up. These modifications can add variety and interest to the game, making it more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Overall, I find the Chair icebreaker to be a fun and effective way to build rapport and community within a group. Its simple yet versatile format makes it an ideal activity for a wide range of settings, from parties and social gatherings to team-building events and classroom activities.

Tips for making Chair more inclusive

• Try using a variety of statements: To make sure everyone can relate to the statements being made, encourage volunteers to use a range of examples, such as “I enjoy hiking” or “My favorite holiday is Diwali.” This will help ensure that all players feel included and represented.
• Encourage active listening: Make it clear that all players should listen carefully to each statement and consider whether it applies to them. Encourage players to avoid standing up unnecessarily, which can create confusion and make the game less enjoyable for others.
• Consider seating arrangements: Be mindful of any accessibility needs or physical limitations that players may have. Ensure there is enough space between chairs for everyone to move comfortably, and consider providing seating options (such as stools or cushions) for those who may have difficulty standing up quickly.
• Emphasize the fun, not the competition: The Chair Game is meant to be a lighthearted icebreaker that helps people get to know each other better. Encourage players to focus on having fun and enjoying the game, rather than trying to “win” by finding a seat every time.
• Be open to feedback: After playing the game, ask for feedback from all players about what they enjoyed and what could be improved. Use this feedback to make adjustments and create an even more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Reflection questions for Chair

1. What did you learn about your group members through this game? Understanding what you learned about others can help you appreciate their experiences and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment.
2. How comfortable were you sharing information about yourself in this setting? This question can shed light on individual comfort levels with self-disclosure and group dynamics, enabling facilitators to tailor future activities accordingly.
3. Did any of the statements made by your fellow players surprise or interest you? Why? By reflecting on what stood out during the game, participants may discover shared hobbies, values, or experiences that strengthen their connections.
4. How well do you think our group functioned as a collective in this activity? Assessing group performance can help identify strengths and areas for improvement in communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
5. If we were to play The Chair Game again, what changes would you suggest to make it more engaging or inclusive? Encouraging participants to provide feedback on the activity demonstrates respect for their opinions and fosters a sense of ownership in group events.