String Winding Race

Those seated at one side of the table compete against those on the opposite side.  A ball of string is given to the two players sitting opposite each other at one end of the table.  At the signal to go the two players maintaining their hold on the loose end of the string pass the ball to the players next to them.  Each player must hold the string in one hand and pass the ball on, unwinding it, as it progresses to the next player.  When the ball has reached the last player he immediately starts rewinding the ball.  When he has wound up his share, he passes it back to the next, who continues the winding.  By the time the ball has returned to the player at the head of the table, it must be entirely wound.  The team first succeeding in accomplishing this, wins the race.  The string must be wound upon the ball and not snarled.

Name Writing Race

The teams are arranged on opposite sides of the table.  A long slip of paper and a pencil are handed to two players sitting opposite at the head of the table.  At the signal to “go” the two players holding the paper write their last names upon it and pass the slip on to the next player on their side.  The second player on each team must write the first name of the preceding player in its proper place on the slip and write his own last name directly under that of the preceding player and then pass the slip on to the third player, and so it continues until it reaches the last player.  He follows the example of the other players, leaving space for his first name.  The slips are then passed back to the head of the table where the first name of the last man must be written down by the player at the head of the table.  When this is done they stand and hold the paper above their heads.  The team first succeeding in this wins.  Each player must give to the player next following him his first name.  The last player on each team will have to shout his name, so that the one at the head of the table may be able to fill it in before ending the race.

Candle and Plate Race

The teams are arranged on opposite sides of a table.  The two players at the head of the table are given a plate and a candle and a box of safety matches.  At the signal to “go” the candle is placed on its end on the plate and lighted by the first player.  The candle is then balanced upon the plate, as it is passed to the next player, who receives the plate endeavoring to maintain the balance of the candle.  Should the candle fall over, the player in whose hand the plate rests must place the plate down upon the table, again stand the candle on its end and pass it on to the next player.  Should the flame on the candle become extinguished, the player, in whose possession it is, must place the plate down upon the table, and using the box of safety matches which is on the plate, relight the candle.  In this way the candle is passed to the far end of the table and back.  The team first succeeding in accomplishing this task wins.