Name Race

indoor outdoor physical small space short game quick prep individual

Know Names, Win Races #

Name Race is a fun, energetic icebreaker game that helps players learn each other’s names while adding a burst of competitive action. Players sit in a circle while one person walks around as “IT.” When IT tags someone, both must race in opposite directions around the circle, trying to say the other's name before reaching the empty seat.

How to Play #

All players sit in a circle with one player starting as IT. IT walks around the outside of the circle and taps someone on the head. The moment they are tapped, both players begin walking (or running) in opposite directions around the circle.

Before reaching the now-empty seat, each must say the other’s name aloud. The first person to correctly say the name and sit down wins the round. The person left standing becomes the new IT.

If a player does not know the name of the person they are racing, they must pause and ask before continuing.

Rules #

Circle Formation: All players must be seated in a complete circle.

Movement: Players walk (or jog) around the outside of the circle. No cutting across.

Name Requirement: Players must say their opponent’s name out loud before reaching the seat.

Seat Claiming: The first to sit in the empty spot wins; the other becomes IT.

Name Inquiry: If a player does not know the other’s name, they must stop and ask before proceeding.

Play Continuation: The game continues with the new IT selecting another player to tag.

Materials #

Materials Required

Setup #

Setup Instructions:

  1. Form a Circle: Have everyone sit on the floor or on chairs arranged in a circle.

  2. Choose IT: Select one player to start walking around the outside of the circle.

  3. Explain the Rules: Make sure players understand they must say the other person’s name before sitting.

  4. Begin Play: Start the game by having IT walk and tag someone to start the first race.