How to Play Giant Jenga (Rules, Ilegal Moves, Size)
Jenga was created in the early ‘70s by the co-founder of Oxford Games, Leslie Scott. The inspiration for the name came from a Swahili word kujenga, whicht means to build. The game originated in Leslie’s family and was made with regular wooden blocks. Its first big breakthrough was in 1983 at the London Toy Fair, and after 1985 it won the hearts of many kids and grown-ups.
Playing Giant Jenga 101
What is Jenga?
Above all, Jenga is a game that requires both logic and some physical skill. You really need to think as to which block would be the best to pull out. Furthermore, once you choose one, your hand will have to remain steady while pulling it out. Patience also has a large part in all of that. That’s where the thrill comes from. Everyone gets an adrenaline rush just out of the anticipation and the knowledge that the whole tower could collapse if they make one small mistake.
How Far Will You Be Able to Go Without the Tower Collapsing?
So, how far will you be able to go without the tower collapsing? Well, according to one of the Jenga editions, Robert Grebler built the highest Jenga tower. He was an entrepreneur that saw potential in Jenga, so he acquired the game rights from Leslie Scott for the United States and Canada.
He played a big role in starting the whole Jenga craze. He was a big fan of the game, and one day he managed to build a tower that was 40 2⁄3 levels tall. That means that he didn’t manage to finish the last level before the tower collapsed. But, to this day, it remains the highest known Jenga tower built according to the rules.
What’s So Great About Giant Jenga?
There are many versions of Jenga out there. But Giant Jenga is so fun simply because it can be played outdoors, and because it requires more physical movement. Players also need to be more careful when the tower starts collapsing. All of that results in a really fun and adrenalin-fused gameplay.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss Jenga rules, illegal Jenga moves, all that is needed for a successful Jenga party and many other things. This article will be your ultimate guide for a Giant Jenga Game. Feel free to come back to it whenever you need something clarified.
Giant Jenga Rules and Regulations
Rules for Giant and regular Jenga are pretty much the same. The only real difference is that you would have to use large blocks in order to raise the tower. That won’t have a big impact on the gameplay itself, but it will surely feel differently.
Giant Jenga is best played outdoors. It requires a large, clean surface. If a tower collapses in a stuffed apartment, for example, it can easily damage some of the property. Today’s kids usually sit behind their computers, so taking them out for a Giant Jenga game can be a great thing. Also, if you like to go to picnics or camping, make sure to bring one with you. It can be a great deal of fun for the whole family. Just make sure to find a playing surface that is flat enough.
Rules for Jenga are quite simple. All you need to do is to build a tower by placing three blocks per story. All blocks need to be perpendicular to each other.
Can You Move a Piece in Jenga?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point of the game. Once you build the tower, players take turns in removing blocks. First, you’ll need to choose a block that you want to remove. After you carefully take it out, place it on top of the tower. You are allowed to take out any piece that is located below the top level. However, some people play by removing only blocks that are below the top three levels.
While moving the pieces, you are only allowed to use one hand at a time. But you are allowed to tap the tower in order to find out which blocks are the loosest. Taking out blocks that are loose and that don’t offer any support to the structure is the safest way to stay in the game until the very end. Also, if you moved a block but you’ve changed your mind, you must put it back in its original place before you take out another one. You must always complete each story on top of the tower with three blocks before you proceed to make a new one. Furthermore, make sure that all those new stories are well-centered so that the tower doesn’t collapse too soon.
So how much time do you have to finish a turn? Well, according to general rules, you’ll have ten seconds to pull out a block after you’ve placed another one on top of the tower. However, if another player touches the tower your turn ends.
In order to win, you and your opponents need to play until one of you causes the Jenga tower to crash. The winner is the last player that made a successful move before the structure went down.
Now, let us summarize all that so that you can have a clear look at all the rules.
Jenga Rules
- Build a tower out of all pieces by placing three blocks per story.
- All players take turns in removing blocks.
- Take out one of the blocks and place it on top of the tower.
- You can only take a piece that is located below the top level.
- If you want to play Jenga on a harder level, only draw blocks that are located under the last three stories.
- While removing blocks you can only use one hand at a time.
- You are allowed to tap the structure in order to find out which peace is loose.
- If you’ve moved a piece that you didn’t want to, you must put it back before taking out another one.
- You must always complete the top level with three blocks before starting another one
- Your turn lasts ten seconds after you’ve put the last block on top, or until another player touches the tower.
- The last one who put the block on top before the tower collapsed - wins.
Can You Stop the Jenga Tower From Falling?
The most straightforward answer to this question would be — no. You can’t stop the Jenga tower from falling. Furthermore, you should be very careful and move away when it does. Especially when it comes to the Giant Jenga.
However, you can always think ahead and be very careful. If a player that made a move before you has made the structure very unstable, you should try to compensate by taking out a block that would bring back the balance. Of course, there are times when that is just impossible and when sheer luck will be the only ace up your sleeve.
Illegal Jenga Moves
Illegal moves in Jenga are all those moves that are opposite to the general rules. That means that you shouldn’t under any circumstances start building the next level before the previous one contains three blocks.
You also shouldn’t take blocks from the top level. If you agreed that you will only draw pieces that are three levels lower than the top, then you also must stick to that.
You should never use two hands when drawing or placing blocks. Doing so may get you disqualified. Having one hand on your back might help you avoid using both by accident.
You are not allowed to proceed with the next step if you already moved a piece. You have to either finish your move with that one or put it back in its place and then continue.
Also, you can’t continue with your move after another player has touched the tower or if ten seconds have passed since your turn started.
Jenga Rules With Dice
Jenga rules with dice are quite different than the regular ones. Especially since the regular ones don’t have a clear winner. When playing with dice, there will be no doubts as to who deserves the throne.
Aside from a standard Jenga set, you’ll need two dice. In the beginning, the Jenga blocks should be placed in the middle. The first and main difference between these and regular rules is that every player builds its own tower in the design they choose.
So how it’s played? Well, first you need to take two blocks from the pile. Then you should roll the dice. The dice determine the orientation of the blocks that you previously took. Each dice represents an orientation of one piece.
If you get numbers one or four, you should place your block flat or horizontally. That means that the wide side should be parallel with the surface. If you get numbers two or five, you should place your block on edge. That means that the narrower side should be parallel with the surface. Finally, if you get a number three or a number six, you’ll need to place your piece on end or simply put: vertically.
After you’ve placed the blocks, you should roll the dice again and so on until one of the towers collapses. The winner is the one who has the highest tower left.
Let’s summarize it:
Jenga Rules With Dice
- The blocks are placed in the middle.
- All players build their own towers simultaneously and separately.
- The dice show the orientation of the blocks that the player took.
- Numbers one and four mean that the block should be placed horizontally.
- Numbers two and five mean that the bock should be placed on edge.
- If you get a number three or a number six you should place the block vertically.
- After one of the towers collapses, the winner is the player that has the highest tower.
How to Play Jenga With Teams
Jenga is simply a perfect game for corporate team buildings. The rules can always be adjusted, and that’s why it can be a great bonding game for your friends and family too. Instead of competing against each other, it can also be quite a challenge to try and keep the structure together as long as possible.
To spice things up, you can always write a certain dare on each Jenga block. Stack up the blocks until you build your tower. That way anyone who pulls out a block has to do a certain dare. After it’s done it’s put back on top of the tower and so on. It can be a really fun experience. Though you should always put dares that will be funny both to you and the people you’re playing with.
Jenga Tournament Rules
Aside from the standard set of Jenga rules, if you want to compete in the Jenga league, you’ll have to abide by some extra regulations.
For example, in official Jenga league, you’re not allowed to move center blocks from the tower under any circumstances. You can also touch only one block at a time. Simply put, you’re not allowed to touch any other block to stabilize the tower or to touch the tower itself while you’re pulling out the one you chose.
It is strictly forbidden to remove any pieces that are located in the top three levels. That also includes the ones that are placed on the top in order to start a new level.
Your turn lasts from the moment you touch the tower until the other player does. If the tower collapses during this time frame, you’re the one who loses.
You shouldn’t lift any part of the tower including the whole tower during the game. However, either the players or spectators mutually decide how far they can draw the block before it can’t be put back.
So all in all, the rules stay pretty much the same. But let’s summarize them in order for you to clearly see the differences.
Jenga Tournament Rules
- You’re not allowed to move center blocks.
- You can touch only one block at a time.
- It is forbidden to remove the pieces that sit in the top three levels.
- Your turn lasts from the moment you touch the tower until the other player does.
- If the tower collapses during your turn - you lose.
- You’re not allowed to lift any part of the tower including the tower itself.
- The players or the spectators decide how far you can draw the piece before you won’t be allowed to put it back.
How to Stack a Giant Jenga
You should stack a Giant Jenga the same way you would stack a regular one. Every level must have three blocks. Also, you’ll need to place them in alternate directions. Stack them up until the last one, and you’re ready to go.
Is Giant Jenga Dangerous?
Even the regular Jenga can be dangerous if a piece falls on your foot for example. The blocks in Giant Jenga are much larger and thus much heavier. You must be very careful when playing, especially if you’re playing with your kids. If you see even the slightest chance that the tower might fall, make sure to stand back at a safe distance and move your kids away from it. It’s always better to ruin the game than to let someone end up injured.
Wooden blocks can be quite heavy, and they also have sharp edges that can cause a serious-enough blunt force trauma. That is why you should never wear open-toe shoes, sandals and of course flip-flops when playing Jenga.
Even though Jenga can be really fun, have in mind that safety always comes first.
How Many Pieces Are There in Giant Jenga?
In most cases, you will play Jenga with fifty-four wooden blocks. That goes even for the Giant Jenga. However, that isn’t always a staple, as you can change that part of the rules according to your preferences. Rember, the higher the Jenga tower, the higher the chances that it would collapse.
What Size Are Giant Jenga Blocks?
If you want to make your own Giant Jenga you can experiment with the size of the blocks. However, if you’re planning to buy one, you can expect certain standards that most of the manufacturers use. A standard Giant Jenga block is 7.13 inches long, 2.38 inches wide, and 1.38 inches high.
How Tall Is a Giant Jenga Tower?
If you use blocks that are of the aforementioned size you’ll be able to stack up a Jenga tower that is up to five feet high or more.
How Much Does a Giant Jenga Weigh?
A giant Jenga usually weighs around 18 pounds. But that can depend on the size of the pieces or the type of wood that it’s used.
How Much Wood for Giant Jenga?
You will need six 2″ x 4″ x 8′ pine boards in order to make fifty-four pieces.
Best Wood For Giant Jenga
Manufacturers use different types of wood to make a Jenga game. However, the most common is pine. It gives enough balance, and it is easy to work with. It will also provide a perfect amount of weight in order for the tower to remain stable, but still easy to remove the blocks with one hand.
Best Finish for Giant Jenga
Make sure to sand the blocks until they become very smooth. You should also apply some wax for a better effect. There is no real need to paint them, but you can if you want to.
Best Stain for Giant Jenga
You’ll probably find Jenga blocks to be the prettiest if you leave them in their natural wood color. However, you can use two sets of coatings, one lighter and one darker. That way the blocks will appear as they were made out of two different types of wood.
How to Make Jenga Blocks Slippery?
So you want to know how to make Giant Jenga slide better? Aside from sanding the Jenga blocks to be smoothest possible, you might also need to apply some coating. You can always use candle wax and rub it thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, then you can put some polyurethane on them.
Giant Soft Jenga Ideas
So your kids are very young and you don’t want them to hurt themselves with big chunks of wood. That’s reasonable. There are many alternative materials from which you can make your Jenga game. For example, small cardboard boxes can work like a charm if the cardboard is firm enough.
You can also find some thick tables of styrofoam and cut out the pieces. Styrofoam is light but it can break easily and leave a mess in your house. Another option would be to go with sponges, but they might lose their shape over time.
Where to Purchase a Giant Jenga Set?
If your local mall doesn’t have one, you should definitely check the nearest toy store. However, you will definitely be able to find it online. Whether it is a used one or a brand new one, you will surely be able to get a better price. Google it up or check websites like Amazon or Ebay. The only drawback is that you will have to wait for it to be delivered. So if you’re planning to buy it as a birthday present, for example, make sure to order it in advance and leave enough time for it to arrive to your address. Click here to check Giant Jenga sets available on Amazon >>
How Much Does a Giant Jenga Set Cost?
Depending on the size, the type of wood and the overall quality, a Giant Jenga can cost up to $150.
How to Build a Giant Jenga Tower?
The Platform
- Cut the platform out of the plywood.
- Make the frame out of boards.
- Attach the frame to the cut-out plywood part.
- Join everything together with screws.
The Blocks
- Cut out 54 equal pieces from remaining boards.
- Sand everything and apply wax or polyurethane if needed
- Stack the blocks on the platform and start playing!
Final Thoughts
I hope that I’ve managed to provide you with every needed information for playing and creating a Giant Jenga. If you liked the article, please share it with everyone who might find it interesting or who can benefit from this information. Also, if you have any suggestions or you would just like to share your thoughts, please feel free to do so in the comments section below. Thank you for reading.
