Party GamesParty games for a small group (4 to 8 people)
With four to eight people everyone plays every round and turns come quickly. Games can be subtle, because players can watch each other's faces, and no microphone or helper is needed. Table games and circle games are ideal. Avoid games that knock people out for long, which would leave a few watching a few.
Quiet and seated games 11
- Raja Mantri Chor SipahiThe classic Indian chit game of bluff.4 (or more with extra chits) players · 15 to 20 min · quiet
- Chidiya Ud"Chidiya ud" means "bird, fly".3 to 15 players · 5 to 10 min · quiet
- Stick the BindiA blindfolded player is turned round and must walk to a large picture of a face on the wall and stick a bindi exactly in the middle of the forehead.4 to 20 players · 10 to 15 min · quiet
- Coin in the TumblerA steel tumbler stands at the bottom of a bucket of water.3 to 12 players · 10 min · quiet
- Straw and RajmaUsing only a drinking straw and their breath, players lift dry rajma (kidney beans) one by one from a plate to a bowl.4 to 20 players · 5 to 10 min · quiet
- Biscuit on the ForeheadA biscuit is placed on each player's forehead.2 to 20 players · 5 min · quiet
- Blindfold MakeoverOne partner is blindfolded and must put a bindi, lipstick, kajal-free "eyeshadow" dots and bangles on the other, guided only by touch and by the giggled directions of the audience.4 to 20, in pairs players · 10 to 15 min · quiet
- Cut the Flour CakeA mound of flour is turned out like a cake with a coin or a sweet balanced on top.4 to 12 players · 10 min · quiet
- Taste and TellBlindfolded players taste a tiny spoonful from each of eight or ten bowls and name what it is.4 to 20 players · 15 min · quiet
- Don't Say ItA player must make their team say a word, but is forbidden to use the most obvious clue words.4 to 20, in two teams players · 20 min · quiet
- Hum That TuneOne player hums a song.4 to 30, in teams players · 20 min · quiet
Active games 3
- Aankh Micholi (Blind Man's Buff)One player is blindfolded and must catch the others, who creep, clap and tease within a marked space.5 to 15 players · 10 to 15 min · active
- Hanging Jalebi RaceJalebis hang on strings at mouth height, and the players must eat theirs with hands held behind the back.4 to 12 at a time players · 10 min · active
- Cup PyramidPlayers race to build a pyramid of paper cups and then collapse it back into a single stack.2 to 20 players · 5 to 10 min · active
How to choose from this list
Start with one quiet game while guests arrive, then alternate: an active game, a seated one, another active one. Plan one game for every fifteen minutes and keep a spare. The time on each card is for one game with a typical group; with more players, allow longer or play in heats. Open a game for what you need, the steps, and a safety note.
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Other lists
ChildrenTeenagersAdultsEldersAll ages togetherLadies' partiesCouplesOfficeMedium group (9 to 20)Large group (over 20)
New to hosting? Read how to host party games.