Killer Wink

Killer Wink is a simple and engaging party game that involves players mingling in a room while trying to identify the secret “killer” among them. The objective of the game is for the killer to wink at other players without getting caught, while the other players must try to figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. This icebreaker is suitable for all ages and can accommodate a group of 10-20 people, making it a great option for parties or social gatherings. One of the best things about Killer Wink is that it requires no materials or setup, and can be played indoors. The game relies on observation and deduction skills, and can be made even more entertaining with funny death scenes acted out by the players. Overall, Killer Wink is a fun and interactive way to get people mingling and having a good time.

1. Have everyone stand in a circle.
2. One person is the moderator who doesn’t play that round.
3. All players close their eyes, and the moderator selects one person to be the “killer” or “mystery mingler.”
4. Players mingle around the general space while looking at each other in the eyes.
5. The mystery killer tries to wink at other players without being detected.
6. If a player is winked at, they must continue mingling for a few seconds before “dying” dramatically in the general space.
7. If a live mingler suspects someone as the killer, they can stop and declare “I accuse!”
8. If another person also wants to accuse, they say “I accuse!” and both point at their suspected killer.
9. If both accusers point at the same person who is the killer, the game ends; if they point to different people or an innocent person, those who accused are dead.
10. The game continues until the killer is identified or there’s only one mingler left.
11. No talking or communicating of any kind is allowed during the game.

• Moderator: The moderator doesn’t play that round and is responsible for selecting the “killer” and ensuring the rules are followed.
• Players: A group of people who will mingle, make eye contact, and try to identify the “killer.”
• Space: An indoor area with enough room for players to move around and mingle while making eye contact with one another.

To set up for the Killer Wink icebreaker activity, follow these steps:

1. Choose a moderator: Before starting the game, select one person to be the moderator who will not participate in that round. The moderator’s role is to choose the “killer” and ensure rules are followed.
2. Gather participants: Invite at least 10-20 people to join the game. They should stand in a circle for the initial selection process.
3. Close eyes: Instruct all players, including the secret “killer,” to close their eyes.
4. Select the “killer”: The moderator taps one player’s shoulder, signifying they are the “killer” or “mystery mingler.” This person remains silent and tries to wink at others during gameplay.
5. Explain mingling: Clearly communicate that players must mingle around and through the general space while maintaining eye contact with others.
6. Establish rules for accusations: Inform participants that if they believe they know who the “killer” is, they can stop and say “I accuse!” Another player may join the accuser by also saying “I accuse!” Both accusers then point to their perceived killer simultaneously.
7. Clarify consequences of accusations: Make sure players understand that if both accusers correctly identify the “killer,” the game ends; if they point to different people or a non-killer, both accusers are eliminated. The game continues until the “killer” is identified or only one mingler remains.
8. Emphasize no talking: Stress that there should be NO TALKING or communication of any kind during the game to maintain secrecy and increase challenge.

1. Gather players in a circle: Have everyone stand in a circle before starting the game.
2. Appoint a moderator: Choose one person to be the moderator who won’t play that round.
3. Close eyes and select the “killer”: Ask all players to close their eyes, then have the moderator tap one player’s shoulder to make them the secret “killer” or “mystery mingler.”
4. Mingle around: Have all participants mingle in the general space while making eye contact with each other. The killer should try to wink at other players without being detected.
5. “Die” when winked at: If a player is winked at, they must continue mingling for a few seconds before dramatically “dying” right there in the space.
6. Accuse someone of being the killer: If a live participant thinks they know who the killer is, they can stop and say “I accuse!”
7. Point to the accused: Encourage all other players, including the accused, to point at their perceived killer if they also want to accuse them.
8. Identify the killer: If both accusers point at the same person who is actually the killer, the game ends; otherwise, both accusers are considered dead.
9. Continue playing until the killer is identified or there’s only one mingler left: The game continues until either the killer is identified, or only one player remains alive.
10. Prohibit talking and communicating: Make sure no talking or communication of any kind is allowed during the game to add an extra layer of challenge and excitement.

(Game contributed by Chris White. Thanks, Chris!)

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• Builds social connections: Playing Killer Wink encourages people to interact with one another in a fun and engaging way, helping to build social connections and strengthen relationships.
• Improves observation skills: The game requires players to carefully observe those around them, paying attention to subtle cues and behaviors, which can help improve their overall observation skills.
• Fosters critical thinking: Players must use critical thinking to identify the killer, making deductions based on evidence and patterns of behavior.
• Encourages creativity: Killer Wink allows players to act out funny deaths, providing an opportunity for creative expression and adding a lighthearted element to the game.
• Enhances focus and attention: The game requires players to maintain focus and pay attention to their surroundings, which can help improve their overall concentration and attentiveness.
• Boosts confidence: By participating in Killer Wink, individuals can gain confidence in their ability to observe, deduce, and interact with others in a group setting.
• Provides a fun and engaging icebreaker: Killer Wink is an enjoyable and interactive way for people to get to know one another, making it a great icebreaker for parties, events, or team building activities.

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• Observation skills: Players need to be aware of their surroundings and other players’ behavior in order to identify the “killer.” This helps build focus and attention to detail.
• Deduction skills: As players observe the “killer” winking at others, they must use logic and deduction to determine who the “killer” might be. This promotes critical thinking.
• Nonverbal communication skills: Since talking is not allowed, players must rely on nonverbal cues to identify the “killer.” This can help improve observation of body language and facial expressions.
• Courage and confidence: Accusing someone of being the “killer” requires a degree of courage and self-confidence. Practicing this skill in a low-stakes game can help build these traits for real-world situations.
• Self-control: Players must resist the urge to talk or give away clues, which helps build self-discipline and impulse control.
• Teamwork and cooperation: Although it’s a competitive game, working together to identify the “killer” can create a sense of camaraderie and strengthen group dynamics.
• Emotional intelligence: Understanding other players’ reactions when they are accused or when someone dies can help improve emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Creativity: Players can express their creativity by acting out funny deaths, which can add humor and lightheartedness to the game.

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I enjoy the Killer Wink icebreaker because it’s a simple yet engaging game that requires no materials and can be played by people of all ages. The messiness factor is minimal, making it suitable for various settings.

What I like most about this icebreaker is its combination of mingling and mystery-solving elements. As a player, you get to walk around, make eye contact with others, and try to identify the “killer” while avoiding being winked at yourself. This aspect creates an exciting atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue that keeps everyone engaged throughout the game.

Additionally, Killer Wink encourages non-verbal communication, which can be both challenging and fun for participants. It allows players to practice observing body language and facial expressions as they try to decipher who might be the “killer.”

Lastly, I appreciate that the game can be easily adapted based on the number of people playing and their age range. With younger children, you may choose to focus more on the mingling and winking aspects, while older groups could enjoy adding humorous twists by acting out creative death scenes or incorporating secret alliances between players.

Overall, I find Killer Wink to be an entertaining and versatile icebreaker that fosters interaction, observation skills, and critical thinking in a lighthearted manner.

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• Encourage participants to make eye contact: As the game relies on the “killer” winking at other players, it’s essential that everyone keeps their eyes open and looks at each other. Encouraging participants to make eye contact can help create a more inclusive atmosphere where no one feels left out or uncomfortable.
• Use fictional characters or animals as “killers”: To make the game more inclusive for young children or those who may be sensitive to the concept of violence, consider using fictional characters or animals as the “killer” instead. For example, you could have a unicorn or a fairy as the one doing the winking.
• Create a signal for the “I accuse” moment: To ensure that everyone can participate in the accusation process, create a clear and simple signal that all players can use to indicate their suspicion. For example, you could have participants raise their hands or wave them in the air when they want to accuse someone.
• Consider modifying the “death” pose: To make the game more inclusive for people with mobility issues or physical disabilities, consider modifying the way that players “die.” Instead of collapsing to the ground, for example, players could simply step out of the circle or sit down.
• Make sure everyone understands the rules: Before starting the game, take a few minutes to explain the rules and answer any questions that participants may have. This can help ensure that everyone understands how to play and feels comfortable participating.
• Encourage funny and creative “deaths”: To make the game more inclusive and fun for all participants, encourage players to act out their “deaths” in funny or creative ways. This can help lighten the mood and ensure that everyone is having a good time.

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1. What was your strategy as the “killer” or as a “mingler”? Knowing how players approached the game can give insight into their thought processes and problem-solving skills.
2. How did you feel when you were accused or when you accused someone? This question can help participants reflect on trust, social dynamics, and decision-making.
3. Did you change your behavior after being accused? Why or why not? Understanding how accusations affected players’ actions can shed light on their adaptability and resilience.
4. How did the group’s dynamics shift throughout the game? This question encourages participants to think about social structures, power, and influence within the group.
5. What challenges did you face while playing, and how did you overcome them? This reflection can help participants recognize their coping mechanisms and ability to handle unexpected situations.
6. Did you experience any emotions similar to those in real-life social situations? If so, which ones? This question can prompt self-awareness and empathy, as well as reveal insights about interpersonal skills.
7. How did the acting out of “funny deaths” contribute to the overall experience? This reflection allows participants to consider the role of humor in building relationships and diffusing tension.

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