Giant Jenga is a hard wood blocks game that can stack to over 5 feet tall and is made from genuine wood blocks that are eight times the size of the classic Jenga blocks. The game is played with a tower of wooden blocks, each 18 inches long, that are stacked in rows of three. The players take turns to remove a block from the tower and place it on top, without making the tower fall. People of all ages can enjoy the game and is perfect for outdoor parties, picnics, or camping trips.
Giant Jenga is similar to the original Jenga game, but with a twist. The blocks are much bigger and heavier, which makes the game more challenging and fun. The players can use two hands to move the blocks, but be careful not to disturb the tower or knock it over.
Giant Jenga Rules
Set up the tower: Stack 54 blocks in a vertical tower, alternating directions for each layer. Each layer should have three blocks side-by-side, and each new row should be 90 degrees from the previous row.
Take turns: On your turn, use both hands to remove a block from any level below the highest completed row. Notice the loosest block or the one that’s simplest to remove without shaking the tower’s stability.
Place the block: Place the removed block on top of the tower, making sure to nest it toward the other blocks.
End your turn: Your turn ends 5 seconds after you stack your block, or when the next player hands a block.
Continue taking turns: Players continue to take turns withdrawing and stacking blocks until the tower collapses. The game ends when a person moves, makes the tower fall or a block falls out of the tower.
Here are some basic rules for playing Giant Jenga:
- You can play alone or with friends. If you play with friends, you can form teams or play individually.
- You can use any block on any level, except the top level being added to. You can choose any block that is loose and easy to move, but you can’t take a block from the top row of the tower.
- You can only use one hand to remove blocks. You have to use the same hand for the whole turn, and you can’t switch hands or use both hands at the same time.
- You can’t use your other hand to hold the tower steady. You have to let the tower balance on its own, and you can’t touch it with your other hand or any other part of your body.
- The tower should be built to 17 stories high. You have to start with a tower of 17 layers of blocks, with each layer perpendicular to the previous one. The tower will grow taller as you play, and can reach over 5 feet high.
- The Jenga is set up as 20 rows of 3 blocks. You have to use 60 blocks to build the tower, and arrange them in 20 rows of 3 blocks each. Each block should be aligned with the edges of the tower, and not sticking out or overlapping.
- You can only take a block from the tower anywhere apart from the top 2 full rows. You leave the top two layers of the tower intact, and only remove blocks from the lower levels. You can’t take a block from a layer that is incomplete or has gaps.
How to build Giant Jenga
Here are some steps for building a giant outdoor Jenga set:
Measure and cut the 2×4’s
You need to buy 10 pieces of 2×4 lumber, each 8 feet long. You need to cut them into 60 pieces, each 18 inches long. You can use a circular saw, a miter saw, or a hand saw to do this.
Stack the pieces and measure for the case
You need to stack the pieces in a tower, with three pieces per layer, alternating directions. You need to measure the dimensions of the tower, which should be about 18 inches wide, 10.5 inches deep, and 31.5 inches tall. You need these measurements to make the carrying case for the blocks.
Cut out the pieces for the carrying case
You need to buy some plywood, some hinges, some latches, some handles, and some screws to make the carrying case. You need to cut the plywood into six pieces, according to the measurements of the tower. You need two pieces for the top and bottom, two pieces for the sides, and two pieces for the front and back. You can use a circular saw, a jigsaw, or a hand saw to do this.
Layout and cut the carrying case handles
You need to mark and cut out the handles for the carrying case. You need to make four handles, two on each side of the case. You need to measure and mark the center of each side piece, and then measure and mark 3 inches on each side of the center. You need to draw a rectangle that is 6 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, and then cut it out with a jigsaw or a drill. You need to sand the edges of the handles to make them smooth and comfortable to hold.
Assemble the box, apply finish, and install hardware
You need to assemble the box by attaching the pieces of plywood with screws. You need to attach the hinges to the back piece and the top piece, and then attach the latches to the front piece and the top piece. You need to apply some finish to the box, such as paint, stain, or varnish, to protect it from the weather and make it look nice. You need to install the hardware, such as the handles, the hinges, and the latches, to the box, using screws and a screwdriver.
Sand and apply boiled linseed oil to the blocks
You need to sand the blocks to make them smooth and splinter-free. You need to use a sandpaper or a sander to do this, and start with a coarse grit and then move to a finer grit. You need to apply some boiled linseed oil to the blocks, using a rag or a brush, to seal them and make them water-resistant. You need to let the oil dry for at least 24 hours before playing with the blocks.
