Setup
Players
- 8-10+
Materials
- 2 Oranges (alternatively: lemons or grapefruits)
- Large Playing Area
Additional Setup Notes
- Before the game begins, split players into two even-numbered teams.
- To make sure everyone stays safe during gameplay, make sure to set the game up in a large area or room
- Each team should line up and face each other. This makes keeping track of the race easier!
- Pass the Orange is fast-paced but has endless replayability as the competition heats up.
Objective
Pass the Orange is a fun-filled competition perfect for parties or large groups of friends. The objective of Pass the Orange is to pass the citrus between team players to the end of the line without using their hands or arms. Which team will pass the orange amongst players quickest?! Suitable for all ages, Pass the Orange is an exciting game that can take your party to the next level.
Gameplay
Begin by having each team line up, facing the other lined-up team of players. The first person in each line will be holding an orange. When both teams are ready, a player will yell “Go!” and begin passing the orange down the line. At this point, no one is allowed to hold or touch the orange with their hands anymore.
Once Pass the Orange begins, players are allowed to pass the fruit using anything other than their hands or arms. The orange is not allowed to hit the ground. The most popular strategy is tucking the orange under the chin.
But remember: no arms or hands! If a player touches the orange at any point, or if the orange tumbles to the floor during a pass, the orange returns to the first player and the team must start over completely. Spoiler alert: this is bound to happen a lot.
The first player will pass the orange to the next player using their chin or feet, and so on, until all players have received the orange. Once the last player has received the orange, it must go back down the line until the orange is returned to the starting player.
Endgame
Pass the Orange ends whenever one of the teams manages to pass the orange along the entire line of players and back. The team that successfully passes the orange along the fastest, wins!
Pass the Orange Variations
- Pass the Lemon/Apple/Etc.: While often called orange pass, you can certainly use other types of fruit for this game. The size of the fruit can impact the gameplay, so keep that in mind!
- Pass the Egg: Ditch the fruit and raise the stakes by playing Pass the Egg! The same rules apply as the traditional orange pass, but this time, a missed pass or fumbled transition could lead to a yolky disaster. This is a popular remix perfect for Easter celebrations!
- No Hands EVER: Another fun twist on Pass the Orange is upping the ante on the no-hands rule. When the orange inevitably comes tumbling to the ground, do not allow players to pick it up with their hands. In this variation, the orange must be retrieved by using a foot to roll it up the body of another player until it’s under someone’s chin again. That might require some fancy teamwork!
- Soccer Pass the Orange: Some games of Pass the Orange prohibit players from using their upper body at all. For these games, players must balance the orange on their foot to prevent it from touching the ground.
Tips & Strategy
- Hands Behind the Back: When playing Pass the Orange you’ll be inevitably tempted to grab the frustrating fruit. Hold your hands behind your back to prevent any penalties!
- Neck to Neck: When considering the speed and difficulty Pass the Orange demands, the most common strategy is passing the orange neck to neck among players. It makes for some hysterical moments while up close and personal with friends, but is a tried and true method for success!
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