Selection methods
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Selection methods are common techniques used to determine certain initial settings in games and other activities. These initial settings may be which player starts or gets a particular end of a pitch or takes on a particular role.
Some selection methods are more or less truly random (e.g. coin toss) and some involve a certain amount of skill (often psychological e.g. Rock, Paper, Scissors)
Contents |
[edit] Common selection methods
[edit] Coin toss
Used in many sports for choice of ends, kick off, who is to bat first etc.
[edit] Rock, Paper, Scissors
Usually used in more informal occasions than coin tossing, such as between co-habitees on who is going to do the washing up.
[edit] Spuds up
Each person puts their fists forward (their 'spuds' meaning potatos). One person chants "One potato, two potato, three potato four, five potato, six potato, seven potato, more." with each word pointing to the next spud going round clockwise. The 'spud' on which the word "more" falls is eliminated and the player holds that hand behind their back. The chant starts again from the next spud. When a player has both their spuds eliminated they are out until there is only one winner.
[edit] Straight to London
This may be known by different names in different countries. It is often used in playground games to choose who gets to pick the first player. The two 'captains' stand a few metres apart facing each other and walk towards each other taking alternate steps. Each step involves putting the heel of one foot touching the toe of the other. The winner is the one who ends by stepping on the other's toe. One variation allowed half steps to try to gain the advantage.
[edit] Guess which hand
A small object, e.g. a pebble, is held in one closed fist while the other fist is empty. The opponent must choose which hand the object is in.
[edit] Nearest the bull
In some darts competitions one dart is thrown by each player (sometimes with their non-dominant hand) and the nearest to the bullseye gets to throw first.
[edit] Drawing straws
A number of straws equal to the number of contestants involved are held in the fist of one of the players. Each straw is of equal length except for one, which is shorter than the rest. The player holding the straws levels the tops so they appear of same length (hiding the short end in his or her fist). Each player then draws one straw at random. The player left with the short straw is the one selected. The person holding the straws never draws a straw but is instead "left" with whatever remaining straw that was not chosen.
[edit] Nose Game
This is a game used to determine the order of something, much like drawing straws. Play begins when somebody touches his/her index finger to his/her nose. As soon as it is started, players try to be the first to touch their noses with their index finger. The last person to touch his/her nose loses, and generally is forced to do the unwanted task.
[edit] See also
[edit] External Links
- Youdrawstraws.com, a usable method of using the Internet to resolve minor disputes
