The Blanket Game

The Blanket Game is a fun and engaging icebreaker game that helps players of all ages get to know each other and learn names. It’s especially great for kids and can be played with medium to large groups. The aim of the game is to correctly identify the player standing behind the blanket, with the team who guesses correctly earning a point. The game continues until all players have stepped forward, and the team with the most points at the end wins. This game requires a large blanket and can be played both indoors and outdoors. It’s an excellent way to build memory skills, foster teamwork, and help new groups of kids get to know each other in a fun and interactive way. The Blanket Game is sure to result in lots of laughs and is a great addition to any party or gathering.

1. Split the group into two teams and have them stand opposite each other.
2. Have all participants say their names one by one to the group.
3. Select two volunteers from each team to hold up a large blanket between the groups, so they cannot see each other.
4. One person from each team steps forward and stands directly behind the blanket.
5. On the count of three, tell the volunteers to drop the blanket.
6. Each team must correctly say the name of the individual standing forward on the opposite team.
7. The first team to correctly identify the person wins a point.
8. Keep going until all players have stepped forward.
9. The team with the most points at the end wins.
10. (Alternative variation) Instead of saying their name, each individual can say a fact about themselves.
11. (Alternative variation) The opposite team must recall and say the name of the person based on the fact they said.
12. (Alternative variation) Play the game blind by dropping the blanket after the individual says their fact out loud, and check if the opposite team can recall the correct name.

• Large blanket: The blanket needs to be big enough so that when it is held up, the players standing or sitting behind it cannot be seen.
• Curtain (optional): If a large enough blanket cannot be found, a curtain can be used instead.
• Group of players: This game is best for medium to large groups of players who don’t yet know each other well, preferably around 20 people.

To set up for the The Blanket Game icebreaker activity, you will need to split the group into two teams and have them stand opposite each other. All participants should introduce themselves to the group before the game begins. Then, select two volunteers from each team to hold up the blanket, making sure it is large enough so that when held up, the players cannot see each other. The remaining players will step forward one by one to stand directly behind the blanket. Finally, prepare to drop the blanket on the count of three and have the teams try to correctly identify the person standing forward on the opposite team. Make sure to keep track of points for each round, with the goal of determining a winning team at the end of the game.

1. Split the group into two teams: I divided our large group into two teams and had them stand opposite each other.
2. Have participants say their names: I asked all participants to introduce themselves one by one to the group, so everyone could learn each other’s names.
3. Select volunteers for the blanket holders: From each team, I requested two volunteers to hold up the large blanket between them, hiding the teams from each other’s view.
4. Step forward and stand behind the blanket: Each team selected one person to step forward and stand directly behind the blanket, facing the opposing team.
5. Drop the blanket on ‘Three!’: I counted to three, and at my signal, the two volunteers simultaneously lowered the blanket, revealing the individuals standing on either side.
6. Correctly guess the opponent’s name: Each team needed to quickly identify and call out the name of the person revealed by the opposing team. The first team to correctly say the name wins a point.
7. Continue until all players have stepped forward: We repeated steps 4-6, rotating participants, until everyone had the opportunity to step forward and be identified.
8. Tally the points: I kept track of each team’s points after every round, and announced the winning team at the end of the game.

You can also consider alternative variations for experienced groups or different settings:

• Fact sharing: Instead of using names, participants can say a fun fact about themselves when stepping forward. The opposing team then tries to recall and announce that specific fact.
• Blind identification: In this variation, the person who steps forward says their name or fun fact out loud. Opposing team members must recall the name or fact while the blanket remains raised. Once ready, drop the blanket for confirmation.

Back to top

• Encourages Active Participation: The Blanket Game requires players to actively participate by remembering and recalling the names or facts of their fellow players. This helps to keep everyone engaged and involved in the game.
• Fosters a Sense of Community: By encouraging players to learn each other’s names and facts, The Blanket Game helps to create a sense of community and belonging among the group.
• Improves Memory Skills: The Blanket Game is a memory-based game that requires players to remember and recall information about their fellow players. This can help to improve memory skills and cognitive abilities.
• Promotes Fun and Laughter: The Blanket Game is a fun and lighthearted game that is designed to promote laughter and enjoyment. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Customizable for Different Age Groups: The Blanket Game can be customized to suit different age groups and skill levels. For example, you can use simpler facts or questions for younger players, or more complex ones for older players. This makes the game versatile and adaptable to different situations and settings.

Back to top

• Memory: The Blanket Game is a great way to build memory skills, as players must remember the names or facts of their opponents on the other team in order to correctly identify them when the blanket is dropped. This can be challenging, especially if there are many players, making it an excellent exercise for improving recall and mental agility.
• Interpersonal Communication: The game encourages active listening and speaking skills as participants introduce themselves and then try to remember and recall their opponents’ names or facts. It also fosters a sense of teamwork within each group, as they work together to correctly identify the players on the opposing side.
• Self-Confidence: By participating in this icebreaker game, individuals can develop self-confidence through public speaking when introducing themselves and by sharing personal facts. They may also experience a sense of accomplishment as they successfully recall information about their opponents, contributing to increased self-esteem.
• Active Listening: Paying close attention to the information shared by others is crucial in this game, especially if players are trying to remember facts instead of names. Active listening helps participants to better understand and engage with each other, making it a valuable skill for both personal and professional situations.
• Social Awareness: Playing The Blanket Game with new acquaintances can help individuals become more socially aware by recognizing commonalities and differences among group members. This increased understanding can lead to stronger relationships and better collaboration in future interactions.

Back to top

I like the Blanket Game icebreaker because it is a fun and interactive way to help people learn each other’s names and get to know one another. The game is simple to understand and can be played with groups of any age, making it a versatile choice for many different settings.

One aspect of the game that I particularly enjoy is its active nature. Instead of just sitting and listening to introductions, players are actively engaged in trying to remember and identify their peers. This helps to keep everyone engaged and makes the process of learning names much more enjoyable.

I also appreciate the fact that the Blanket Game can be played with large groups. This makes it a great choice for team-building events, orientation sessions, or any other situation where you need to help a large group of people get to know each other quickly.

Overall, I find the Blanket Game to be a highly effective and entertaining icebreaker that can help bring people together and create a more positive and inclusive atmosphere.

Back to top

• Tip: Consider the diverse needs and abilities of all players when choosing the blanket or curtain. A lighter weight material may be easier for some individuals to hold up than a heavier one.
• Tip: Clearly communicate the rules and objectives of the game to ensure that everyone understands how to participate. You can do this by demonstrating the game, using visual aids, or providing written instructions.
• Tip: Encourage players to use respectful language when guessing the name or fact of the person standing behind the blanket. This will help create a positive and inclusive environment for all players.
• Tip: Be mindful of the size of the groups you are dividing the players into. Make sure that each group is small enough for everyone to have an opportunity to participate and be seen by the other team.
• Tip: Offer alternatives to the physical act of holding up the blanket, such as allowing players to use chairs or other props to support the blanket. This will accommodate players who may have mobility limitations or other physical challenges.
• Tip: Consider offering visual aids, such as name tags or pictures, to help players remember each other’s names and facts. This can be especially helpful for individuals with memory or cognitive impairments.

Back to top

1. What did you enjoy most about playing The Blanket Game? This question can help participants reflect on what they found fun or engaging about the game, which can lead to a better understanding of their preferences and how those can be incorporated into future activities.
2. Did you find it challenging to remember the names and facts of your opponents? Why or why not? This question prompts participants to consider the cognitive demands of the game and reflect on their own memory abilities, which can help them develop a growth mindset and an awareness of areas for improvement.
3. How did you feel when your team correctly identified the person behind the blanket? How did you feel when your team was incorrect? This question invites participants to reflect on their emotions during the game and consider how those emotions may have affected their performance, which can help them develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
4. What strategies did you use to remember the names and facts of your opponents? Which strategies were most effective? This question encourages participants to think critically about their own learning processes and reflect on what strategies worked best for them, which can help them develop metacognitive skills and a growth mindset.
5. Did playing The Blanket Game help you learn more about your teammates or the other participants? If so, how? This question prompts participants to consider the social and interpersonal aspects of the game and reflect on how it may have helped them build relationships or deepen their understanding of others, which can help foster a sense of community and belonging.
6. How might you apply what you learned from playing The Blanket Game to other situations or contexts? This question encourages participants to think about the transferability of the skills they developed during the game and consider how those skills might be useful in other areas of their lives, which can help them develop a growth mindset and a lifelong learning orientation.

Back to top