Ping Pong Tic Tac Toe

What is the Activity?

This activity needs at least two players and can be played one on one or in teams. It takes a fun spin on the tic tac toe game, and challenges players to move fast but also to use strategical moves as well. This game is for ages 7 and up! It uses simple materials and is a great game for families to reuse all throughout the summertime. Whether played for an afternoon activity or large family game night, this will be sure to bring about a lot of laughs and high energy!

Materials

·         Painter’s tape

·         A large table

·         Two different colored stackable cups (solo cups are preferred, at least 12 of each)

·         Tape measurer

·         Post it notes

·         2 ping pong balls

Set Up

·         You will need to set up this game on a large table with some open area around it to ensure there is enough room to play and pick up the balls

·         First you will use the scotch tape to make a large square that will end up having 7 columns and 5 rows

·       To make this easier, use the sticky notes to help visualize and space out the squares to make them more even until you have the grid all laid out.

 

·       Once the grid is laid out, place x’s for the cup stack on either side of the layout. The x’s should be placed about 2 feet away from the edge of the table but can be adjusted depending on table length and age range of players.

How to Play:

·         Players will stand on either side of the play field, and across from their stack of cups on the table.

·         They will then begin bouncing the ping pong balls into the stack, if they miss, they will have to retrieve the ball and return to their original spot until they get it in. 

·         If they land a ball in the stack of cups, they will take that cup out of the stack and place it on the grid, starting at the bottom and working their way up (as one does in the regular connect 4 game).

·         They will then continue to attempt to bounce the ball in the stack and try to create a connect 4 and block their opponent from winning the game and connecting 4.

·         The game will end when one of the opponents connects four.

·         This game can be modified to play in teams by having players rotate once they land a ball in the cup.