Name & Purpose Try Not to Smile is a performance and composure game. IT picks someone in the circle and tries everything β voices, faces, jokes, impressions β to make them crack a smile. No touching allowed. The target responds with a set phrase three times without smiling. If they smile, they become IT. It is a game about self-control, creativity, and the joy of almost losing it.
a.k.a. Keep a Straight Face; Stone Face
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space Ages 8β16 | 8β40 players | 10β20 minutes | Anywhere players can sit in a circle β indoors or outdoors
Materials None
Quick-Run Card
- Everyone sits in a circle. Choose a starting IT.
- IT approaches one person in the circle.
- IT tries to make that person smile β voice, expressions, movement, words β anything except touching.
- The target says: “I’d love to smile but I just can’t.” Three times. Without smiling.
- If they smile, they become the new IT.
- If they hold it together, IT moves to a new target.
- Variation for younger groups: IT meows and acts like a cat. Target must say “Poor kitty” three times while petting IT on the head β without smiling.
Setup & Boundaries Sit the group in a tight circle. IT stands and moves freely inside or around the edge of the circle. Establish the no-touching rule before the game begins β IT can get close, use big expressions, funny voices, but no physical contact. The target sits still and speaks clearly.
How to Play IT chooses targets freely β no set order. They can stay on one target as long as they want, or move on after one attempt. The target’s only job is to say the phrase three times with a straight face.
If a target holds out all three repetitions without smiling, IT must move to a different target. This means IT cannot fixate on one person indefinitely.
The game is self-pacing β rounds move quickly because most players smile within 10β15 seconds. Encourage IT players to be creative: try different characters, switch between silly and serious delivery, use silence.
Variation β Poor Kitty: IT acts as a cat β meows, purrs, rubs an imaginary head near the target’s knee (no touching). Target must say “Poor kitty” three times and may gently pet IT on the top of the head (if both players consent to this contact). Hold the straight face. This version works well with ages 8β12.
I-OPt Roles Three simultaneous roles:
- IT β The performer. Be inventive. Try different approaches. If your first idea fails, pivot. Stay camp-appropriate β funny is better than shocking.
- Target β The reactor. Maintain the phrase. Focus on a fixed point. Do not make eye contact with IT if that helps you hold it.
- Audience β Everyone else in the circle. You are watching, but also building the pressure with your attention. Staying straight-faced as audience adds to the tension. Audience members can also bet internally on how long the target will last.
Inclusion Supports
- Players who find sustained eye contact uncomfortable can look at IT’s forehead or chin instead.
- Players who do not want to be IT can pass using a thumbs-sideways signal β IT moves to a new target without comment.
- Players with speech differences can say the response phrase at any pace they need β no speed requirement.
- The “Poor Kitty” variation removes the verbal focus and shifts to physical comedy, which suits different communication styles.
Stewardship After the game, ask the final IT player to help reset the space β straighten chairs, pick up anything on the floor. 30-second reflection: “This game was all about self-control β holding your reaction even when everything in you wanted to let go. When in life do you need that skill?”
Consent Pre-brief: “IT can use voice, face, and body movement β no touching the target. If you do not want to be approached by IT this round, give a thumbs-sideways and IT moves on. No explanation required. For the Poor Kitty variation, petting IT on the head is optional β IT can skip that and just meow.” Mid-game check-in: If someone looks uncomfortable (not just concentrating), call a quick “eyes up” pause and check in with the group: “Everyone good? Keep having fun.” Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can pass being IT or being a target. The game continues immediately with the next person. They re-enter whenever they raise their hand.
Risks & Mitigation
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| IT uses inappropriate content to get a smile | Medium | Pre-brief: “Funny means everyone laughs, not just you β keep it camp-appropriate” |
| IT fixates on one target and makes them uncomfortable | Medium | Rule: if target holds all three phrases, IT must move on to a new target |
| Players feel singled out or mocked | Low | IT is performing for the group, not at the person β frame this clearly in pre-brief |
| No-touch rule violated accidentally | Low | Remind at start; leader calls “no touch” if it happens; no penalty, just a reminder |
Warm-Up Suggestions Play one round of “Statues” β everyone strikes a funny pose and holds it for 20 seconds. This warms up the face-control muscle and gets laughs going before the main game.
Debrief What? “What made it hardest to keep a straight face β what almost cracked you?” So what? “What does it feel like to perform for someone who is actively resisting you? What made the best IT players effective?” Now what? “When do you need to hold your reaction in real life β with a younger camper, in a stressful moment, when something feels unfair?”
Cleanup & Reset No materials to collect. Ensure the circle is intact and players are comfortable before moving to the next activity.
