Double Dice Circle Game

Name and Purpose

Double Dice Circle Game is a suspense-building circle game that combines chance, patience, and excitement.
Players practise turn-taking, fine motor skill under pressure, and cheering each other on.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-20 players | 15-25 minutes | Indoor circle space, comfortable for sitting; outdoor use possible on a dry, flat surface

Materials

One pair of standard dice
One pair of heavy mitts or oven mitts
One well-wrapped parcel (many layers of paper or fabric)
Something inside the parcel (a shared treat, small prize, or fun activity card)
Optional: seat cushions or low chairs for players who prefer not to sit on the floor

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Sit close enough that the dice can be rolled in a small central space and the mitts passed quickly.
Signal: counsellor’s raised hand = pause everything.
If using a hard floor, place a small mat or folded blanket under the parcel so it doesn’t slide.

How to Play

The wrapped parcel and mitts are placed in the centre of the circle.
One player starts by rolling both dice. If not doubles, pass the dice clockwise to the next player.
If doubles are rolled, that player grabs the mitts, puts them on, and begins trying to unwrap the parcel.
Meanwhile the dice continue around the circle. The moment the next player rolls doubles, they call “Doubles!” and the mitts and parcel pass to them immediately.
The player who removes the final layer of wrapping wins what is inside. If the prize is shareable (a bag of snacks, a fun challenge card), it is enjoyed by everyone.
Optional: if the game ends very quickly, re-wrap the parcel and play another round.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Roll quickly, cheer loudly when doubles land, race to get the mitts on.
S (Support): Help keep the dice moving; celebrate each doubles roll; encourage the player with the mitts.
Q (Quiet): Roll calmly and pass; watch the unwrapping with quiet anticipation.
O (Observer): Sit just outside the circle and watch; count the layers as they come off; join the next round.

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to sit on the floor may use a low chair positioned in the circle.
For players with fine motor differences, use larger foam dice and looser wrapping that is easier to grip with mitts.

Stewardship Moment

Use fabric strips, reusable cloth, or recycled paper for wrapping instead of fresh wrapping paper each time.
After the game, fold and save the wrapping material so it can be used again next time.
Reflection: “How many layers did we unwrap? What if we used cloth strips that could be washed and reused?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves sitting in a circle and rolling dice. When you get doubles you put on big mitts and unwrap a parcel. It is a bit of a scramble! For those not comfortable with the rush of the mitts, you can pass your turn in the middle and cheer from the circle instead.”
Mid-game check: After the first doubles roll, check with a thumbs sign: is the pace okay?
Re-entry: Anyone who stepped back can roll and rejoin the full game at any time between rolls.

Risks and Mitigation

Dice rolling off laps and getting lost: use a small tray or rolled-up towel as a dice barrier.
Wrapping paper scraps becoming a slip hazard: designate a discard spot to one side of the circle.
Player frustration at repeated near-doubles: counsellor narrates the near-misses as exciting, not unlucky.

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Double or Nothing”: everyone holds up both fists and on “Go” opens any number of fingers. Groups whose totals match get a point.
Quick stretch of fingers and hands before the mitts come out.

Debrief Questions

What? “What did it feel like to finally roll doubles after waiting?”
So What? “How did the group’s energy change each time doubles were rolled?”
Now What? “When do you have to wait patiently for your turn in real life? How do you stay ready?”

Cleanup and Reset