Jenga is a fun game of physical and mental skill, which you can play at parties and other gatherings to keep everyone entertained. This enjoyable game is based on the simple concept of moving and stacking wooden Jenga blocks to build a tower. As simple as it appears, this game can be quite tricky for beginners. Keep reading to find out how to play Jenga like a pro.
Any great Jenga player will tell you that the game entails skill and strategy. You can learn how to utilize winning strategies by watching others play, but it will most likely take some time for you to grasp everything. If you don’t want to watch a lengthy video tutorial, you can learn everything you need to know about Jenga by reading this handy personalized content guide.
Follow this Jenga tutorial to learn the basics of the game.
Components
A Jenga set is all you need to play the game. The game box contains the following:
- 54 hardwood blocks
- Loading tray to assemble the Jenga tower
Click here to find the best Giant Jenga game sets.
Setup
Once you have the components ready, proceed to set them up.
Setting Up The Tower
- First, place all the hardwood blocks on a table or flat surface.
- Stack the blocks in sets of three to create a tower 18 blocks high.
- Rotate each new row of blocks, so it is at a right angle to the block below.
Tip: If your Jenga set is missing a few blocks, you can play the game with the available blocks.
Straightening Out The Tower
You must straighten out the tower before playing, so the structure is sturdy. Ensure that the block layers interlock so the tower stands tall without requiring support. Smoothen the four sides with your hands or a flat, solid object.
Objective
In the game Jenga, players remove one block at a time from the tower and stack it on top. The objective of the game is to be the last player to successfully remove and stack a block before another player causes the tower to collapse.
Click here to learn how to play drunk Jenga.
Game Play
The player who built the tower must go first, followed by the person on the player’s left side. When it’s your turn, aim to remove a block below the tower’s highest completed story carefully. Then, using only one hand, stack the block you just removed on top of the tower. Players continue to take turns removing and stacking one block each until the tower falls.
Jenga With Dice
You can play a variation of Jenga using dice to make the game more exciting. Jenga with dice has the same rules as classic Jenga; however, you must number the blocks before stacking them. When a player rolls the dice, you multiply the two number outcomes to get a number. The player must then remove the block with the corresponding number.
Visit our blog post to learn how many pieces are used in Jenga.
Removing And Stacking Blocks
As already mentioned, the entire gameplay revolves around removing and stacking blocks. Here’s everything you need to know about the block movements in Jenga.
- You can only remove and stack one block per turn.
- You must use only one hand when playing.
Tip: The rules permit you to switch hands whenever you wish.
- As the game proceeds, the weight of the Jenga tower will shift. This will make some blocks loose and easier to remove than other blocks. You can touch several Jenga blocks until you find a loose one. However, if you move a block out of place, you must return it to its original position before moving another one.
- While stacking, you must complete a 3-block story before constructing a higher story.
- Your turn ends 10 seconds after you stack your block or as soon as the next player touches the tower. As a result, if the Jenga tower collapses less than 10 seconds after you’ve stacked your block, you lose.
- You must keep removing and stacking blocks until one of the players topples the tower.
Tip: You can plan your moves to destabilize the structure, so it topples during the next player’s turn. Do this by removing important pieces near the bottom of the stack and placing them at the top of the tower.
Winning And End Of The Game
The tower falling over marks the end of a Jenga game. The last player to successfully remove and stack a block before another player makes the tower fall wins the game. Some pro players can build towers up to 36 stories tall or even higher.
Note: The player who makes the tower fall gets to set up the tower for the next game.
Re-Storage
Rules
Here are some of the rules that players must follow when playing Jenga.
- When setting up the game, use the loading tray from the box to create the initial tower.
- Stack all of the wooden blocks in threes, next to each other along their long sides.
Note: Players must ensure that each new row of blocks is at a right angle to the previous one.
- Players are to form a circle around the Jenga. The person who stacked the tower takes the first turn and the player on the left-hand side must follow.
- When taking a block from the tower, you cannot remove one from the story below the highest story.
- You can’t lift an entire Jenga block to remove one piece.
- You can touch the tower with any hand, but you can’t use both hands simultaneously.
- You must return any block that you move back to its original position.
- The game ends when the tower falls or when any block falls from the tower.
- The loser is the one that made the tower fall and the winner is the last person to stack a block without the tower falling.
- The loser must set up the tower when starting the next game.
Check out our blog post where we explain how to win Jenga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Objective Of Jenga?
The objective of Jenga is to stack wooden blocks and create a high tower. Players must take turns removing a block from the lower part of the tower to create a new story. The last player to successfully remove and stack a block before another player makes the tower fall wins the game.
How Do You Play Jenga With 2 Dice?
You play Jenga with 2 dice by integrating the dice into the regular gameplay. Players take turns rolling the dice. Each player must multiply the results of both dice and remove the Jenga Block based on the multiplication result. For example, if you roll a four and a five, you must remove the block numbered 20 because 4 x 5 = 20.
Is Jenga Fun For Adults?
Yes, Jenga is fun for adults. This game is highly entertaining and you can play it with friends or the entire family. Also, Jenga can help adults improve their manual dexterity as it requires a steady hand to shift, tap and move blocks. It is also an excellent game for improving decision-making skills.
Conclusion
If you’re just a beginner learning how to play Jenga, the most important thing to remember is not to let the tower collapse during your turn. At first, you may find it challenging to determine which block would be most suitable to move. However, your decision-making is likely to improve with time. Also, try to stay calm, as sudden movements can cause the tower to come crashing down.
