How to Play Jenga

Two children playing outdoor Jenga on grass, with tower collapsing.

Objective:
The goal of Jenga is to be the last player to successfully remove and stack a block without causing the tower to collapse.

Instructions:

Setup:

  • Stack the Jenga blocks into a tall tower, placing three blocks per layer, alternating the direction of each layer (one horizontal, one vertical).

  • The game begins with the tower at its full height, consisting of 18 layers.

Taking Turns:

  • Players take turns carefully removing one block from any level of the tower (except the topmost completed layer) using only one hand.

  • Once a block is removed, it must be placed on top of the tower, creating a new layer.

Scoring:

  • Jenga is not scored by points. The goal is to keep the tower balanced and prevent it from collapsing.

  • Players continue to take turns stacking blocks until the tower falls.

Winning the Game:

  • The last player to successfully remove and stack a block without toppling the tower wins the game.

  • If the tower falls during your turn, you lose the game, and the last player to have moved successfully is the winner.

Game Tips:

  • Be strategic with your moves, as some blocks may be easier to pull than others.

  • Consider the tower's balance, and avoid making moves that will destabilize it.

Enjoy this fun and suspenseful game with friends and family at your next gathering!