Cooperative Game
Time: 10–20 min
Candy Arm Wrestle
Cooperative game
Purpose: To experience the benefits of cooperation and to better understand a win-win solution to a
problem, challenge, or conflict.
Skills: Communication, Conflict resolution, Cooperation, Problem solving, Self-control
You
will
need…
10 or more players
Upper elementary age players or older
Large bag of candy (M&M’s or Skittles) or another small prize (stickers or tattoos),
enough for each player to get several
Enough space for all players to sit at tables or desks
Before
You
Begin
Prepare the reflection questions you will ask players in the debrief.
Directions
Introduce the game Candy Arm Wrestle. Use this time to reinforce any established
expectations that are important for players to remember during the game.
Explain to players that they are going to arm wrestle with a few rules:
Each time a player’s arm is pinned, the other player is awarded one point.
Each point is worth one piece of candy.
Players only have 30 seconds to win as many points as possible.
There is no talking once the game begins.
Divide players into “evenly matched” pairs according to approximate strength.
Direct each pair to sit at a table or desk, facing each other, where they can arm wrestle
safely.
Ask players if they have any questions about the game.
Begin a countdown for the start of the game and give time (30 seconds) to play.
When time is up, ask for players’ attention and ask each player how many points they
earned. It is important that all players hear the totals announced by each player.
© 2012 Peace First
www.peacefirst.org/digitalactivitycenter
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CANDY ARM WRESTLE
DIRECTIONS CONTINUED
Distribute as many pieces of candy to the players (e.g. 10 points = 10 pieces of candy)
as all players look on.
Tip: Note that often one or two pairs have significantly more points than the rest of the
group. This is because most players assume the game is competitive; however, there is
no guideline that prevents pairs from cooperating. If pairs do not resist each other then
each player will receive many more points.
Call on the pair with the most points and ask them to share their strategy.
If no pair has discovered the win-win solution on their own, discuss how pairs could
work cooperatively in the game to produce a win-win solution. Then play another round.
The game ends when time is up or you have played a few rounds. Explain to
players that now they will reflect on how they experienced the game.
Debrief
Debrief the game with players. Remember, cooperative games are only as effective as
your debrief. This is your opportunity to help players connect the game to personal
experiences, actions, and beliefs. You will want to reinforce any skills or beliefs you are
hoping players will carry beyond the game.
For more on facilitating debriefs, refer to the Debriefing Tip Sheet on our Digital Activity
Center.
We’ve included some suggested questions below to get you started.
Ask:
What happened during the game?
How did your cooperation with your partner affect the results of the game?
Which strategy got the most points?
What would be another scenario where a win-win solution could be used?
Thank players for their participation.
© 2012 Peace First
www.peacefirst.org/digitalactivitycenter
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